Is Madison, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Madison, MO — Water Quality Report
Madison's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 554 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Madison's water
Madison ranks #211 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Madison may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Madison, MO water safe to drink?
Madison's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 554 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Madison
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Madison's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
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 Madison's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Madison's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 2 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 Middle Fork Salt River Near Holliday, Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison.
Where does Madison's water come from?
Madison's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 554 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Salt River Near Holliday (river), Elk Fork Salt River Near Madison (river).
What Madison 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.
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
Monroe County has experienced 2 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Madison compares by contaminant
Explore where Madison ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Madison's water comes from
Madison's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 554 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Madison
Madison is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Madison
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MADISON PWS | MO2010488 | 554 | SWP |
How Madison compares
Full Missouri rankings →Madison's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Madison, MO
Wikipedia →Madison is a city in Monroe County, Missouri, United States. The population was 515 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Madison's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison, MO tap water safe to drink?
Madison's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #211 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Madison's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Madison'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 Madison?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Madison's water come from?
Madison's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 554 residents.
How does Madison's water compare to other cities?
Madison ranks #211 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 59% of state cities) and #5201 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Madison's small water system affect quality?
Madison's system serves approximately 554 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 1 violation on record.