Is Macks Creek, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.8/100
waterverge.com Macks Creek, MO — Water Quality Report
Macks Creek's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 40 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Macks Creek's water
Macks Creek ranks #366 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Macks 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, Macks Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Macks Creek, MO water safe to drink?
Macks Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Macks Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Macks Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Macks Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Macks Creek's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Camden County has experienced 5 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 Niangua River Ab Lake Niangua Nr Macks Creek, Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek, Little Niangua River Near Macks Creek.
Where does Macks Creek's water come from?
Macks Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Niangua River Ab Lake Niangua Nr Macks Creek (river), Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek (river), Little Niangua River Near Macks Creek (river).
What Macks Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Macks 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.
Macks 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
Camden County has experienced 5 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Macks Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Macks Creek ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Macks Creek's water comes from
Macks 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 1,300 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Macks Creek
Macks Creek is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Macks Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMDEN COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO3024090 | 1,300 | GW |
How Macks Creek compares
Full Missouri rankings →Macks Creek's score of 74.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Macks Creek, MO
Wikipedia →Macks Creek is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in southwest Camden County, Missouri, United States. The population was 244 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Macks Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Camden
Frequently asked questions
Is Macks Creek, MO tap water safe to drink?
Macks Creek's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #366 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Macks Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Macks 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 Macks Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Macks Creek's water come from?
Macks Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Macks Creek's water system had?
Macks Creek has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Macks Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Macks 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 40 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 Macks Creek's water compare to other cities?
Macks Creek ranks #366 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 28% of state cities) and #9753 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Macks Creek's small water system affect quality?
Macks Creek's system serves approximately 1,300 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 40 violations on record.