Is Ludlow, 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 ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com Ludlow, MO — Water Quality Report
Ludlow's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,320 residents using purchased ground water.
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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ludlow's water
Ludlow ranks #36 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ludlow purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Ludlow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ludlow, MO water safe to drink?
Ludlow's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,320 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ludlow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ludlow's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Ludlow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ludlow's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Livingston County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Grand River At Chillicothe.
Where does Ludlow's water come from?
Ludlow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,320 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River At Chillicothe (river).
What Ludlow 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.
Ludlow'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
Livingston County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Ludlow compares by contaminant
Explore where Ludlow ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ludlow's water comes from
Ludlow purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Ludlow's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,320 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ludlow
Ludlow is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ludlow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIVINGSTON COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO2024352 | 1,320 | GWP |
How Ludlow compares
Full Missouri rankings →Ludlow's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Ludlow, MO
Wikipedia →Dawn is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Livingston County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 100.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ludlow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Livingston
Frequently asked questions
Is Ludlow, MO tap water safe to drink?
Ludlow's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Ludlow's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Ludlow'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 Ludlow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ludlow's water come from?
Ludlow's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,320 residents.
Is Ludlow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ludlow 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 12 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 Ludlow's water compare to other cities?
Ludlow ranks #36 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 93% of state cities) and #1063 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ludlow's small water system affect quality?
Ludlow's system serves approximately 1,320 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 12 violations on record.