Is Lowry City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Lowry City, MO — Water Quality Report
Lowry City's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 640 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 48 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lowry City's water
Lowry City ranks #186 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lowry City 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, Lowry City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lowry City, MO water safe to drink?
Lowry City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 640 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lowry City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lowry City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lowry City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lowry City's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Clair County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Lowry City's water come from?
Lowry City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 640 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lowry City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lowry City'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.
Lowry City'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
St. Clair County has experienced 5 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lowry City compares by contaminant
Explore where Lowry City ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lowry City's water comes from
Lowry City'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 640 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lowry City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOWRY CITY PWS | MO5010480 | 640 | GW |
How Lowry City compares
Full Missouri rankings →Lowry City's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Lowry City, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lowry City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Lowry City, MO tap water safe to drink?
Lowry City's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #186 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Lowry City's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Lowry City'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 Lowry City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lowry City's water come from?
Lowry City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 640 residents.
What health violations has Lowry City's water system had?
Lowry City has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lowry City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lowry City 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 48 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 Lowry City's water compare to other cities?
Lowry City ranks #186 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 63% of state cities) and #4621 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lowry City's small water system affect quality?
Lowry City's system serves approximately 640 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 48 violations on record.