Is Loose Creek, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Loose Creek, MO — Water Quality Report
Loose Creek's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,221 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 18 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Loose Creek's water
Loose Creek ranks #351 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Loose Creek 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, Loose Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Loose Creek, MO water safe to drink?
Loose Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,221 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Loose Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Loose Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Loose Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Loose Creek's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osage County has experienced 7 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 Maries River At Westphalia, Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain.
Where does Loose Creek's water come from?
Loose Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,221 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Maries River At Westphalia (river), Gasconade River Near Rich Fountain (river).
What Loose Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Loose Creek'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Loose Creek'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
Osage County has experienced 7 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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Loose Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Loose Creek ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Loose Creek's water comes from
Loose Creek'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 1,221 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Loose Creek
Loose Creek is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Loose Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSAGE CO PWSD 1 | MO3024437 | 1,221 | GW |
How Loose Creek compares
Full Missouri rankings →Loose Creek's score of 76.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Loose Creek, MO
Wikipedia →Loose Creek is an unincorporated community in Osage County, Missouri, United States. It is located north of U.S. Route 50, approximately eight miles east of Missouri's capital of Jefferson City. The ZIP Code for Loose Creek is 65054.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Loose Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osage
Frequently asked questions
Is Loose Creek, MO tap water safe to drink?
Loose Creek's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #351 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Loose Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Loose Creek'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 Loose Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Loose Creek's water come from?
Loose Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,221 residents.
Is Loose Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Loose Creek 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 18 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 Loose Creek's water compare to other cities?
Loose Creek ranks #351 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 31% of state cities) and #9373 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Loose Creek's small water system affect quality?
Loose Creek's system serves approximately 1,221 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 18 violations on record.