Is Lilbourn, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.3/100
waterverge.com Lilbourn, MO — Water Quality Report
Lilbourn's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,352 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 56 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lilbourn's water
Lilbourn ranks #460 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lilbourn relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Lilbourn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lilbourn, MO water safe to drink?
Lilbourn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,352 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lilbourn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lilbourn's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lilbourn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lilbourn's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
New Madrid County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Mississippi River At New Madrid.
Where does Lilbourn's water come from?
Lilbourn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,352 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At New Madrid (river).
What Lilbourn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lilbourn's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Lilbourn's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lilbourn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lilbourn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 809 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC NEW MADRID POWER PLANT MARSTON, MO63866 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 809 | 4.7 mi |
HEARTLAND ASPHALT MATERIALS NEW MADRID, MO63869 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
MAGNITUDE 7 METALS LLC MARSTON, MO63866 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNew Madrid County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
New Madrid County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lilbourn compares by contaminant
Explore where Lilbourn ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lilbourn's water comes from
Lilbourn's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,352 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lilbourn
Lilbourn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lilbourn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LILBOURN PWS | MO4010468 | 902 | GW |
| NEW MADRID COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO4024415 | 450 | GWP |
How Lilbourn compares
Full Missouri rankings →Lilbourn's score of 53.3/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Lilbourn, MO
Wikipedia →Lilbourn is a city in New Madrid County, Missouri, United States. The population was 994 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lilbourn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilbourn, MO tap water safe to drink?
Lilbourn's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #460 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Lilbourn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Lilbourn's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Lilbourn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lilbourn's water come from?
Lilbourn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,352 residents.
What health violations has Lilbourn's water system had?
Lilbourn has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lilbourn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lilbourn uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 56 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Lilbourn's water compare to other cities?
Lilbourn ranks #460 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 10% of state cities) and #12690 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.