Is Lincoln, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Lincoln, MO — Water Quality Report
Lincoln's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 17 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lincoln's water
Lincoln ranks #71 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Lincoln 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, Lincoln may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lincoln, MO water safe to drink?
Lincoln's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lincoln
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lincoln's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lincoln's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lincoln's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Harry S. Truman Dam And Res. At Warsaw, Osage River At Warsaw.
Where does Lincoln's water come from?
Lincoln's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Harry S. Truman Dam And Res. At Warsaw (lake), Osage River At Warsaw (river).
What Lincoln residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lincoln'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
Flood & disaster history
Benton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lincoln compares by contaminant
Explore where Lincoln ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lincoln's water comes from
Lincoln'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lincoln
Lincoln is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lincoln
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINCOLN PWS | MO3010469 | 1,100 | GW |
How Lincoln compares
Full Missouri rankings →Lincoln's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Lincoln, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lincoln's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Lincoln, MO tap water safe to drink?
Lincoln's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Lincoln's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Lincoln'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 Lincoln?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lincoln's water come from?
Lincoln's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Lincoln's water system had?
Lincoln has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lincoln's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lincoln 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 17 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 Lincoln's water compare to other cities?
Lincoln ranks #71 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 86% of state cities) and #2092 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lincoln's small water system affect quality?
Lincoln's system serves approximately 1,100 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 17 violations on record.