WaterVerge

Is Melbourne Beach, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

750 residents served 1 water system PWSID: FL3054060
Overall Score
78.7 / 100
Violations
13 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#333 of 509 in Missouri Top 55% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
78.7/100
waterverge.com
B 78.7/100

Melbourne Beach, MO — Water Quality Report

Melbourne Beach's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 51 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Melbourne Beach's water

Melbourne Beach ranks #333 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Melbourne Beach 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, Melbourne Beach 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
78.7 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Melbourne Beach, MO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Melbourne Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).

13
Active Violations
2.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Melbourne Beach

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Melbourne Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Melbourne Beach's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.70 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Melbourne Beach's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTMRMONOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
May 2022 E. COLI Resolved
May 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Where does Melbourne Beach's water come from?

Melbourne Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield (river), Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur (river), Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton (river), River Des Peres Near University City (river), River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale (river).

What Melbourne Beach residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Melbourne Beach's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 19% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.70 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

51
Total violations
8
Health-based
13
Active / unresolved
Sep 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

51 Total
13 Active
8 Health-based
38 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
9
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
9
Total Coliform Rule
8
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Ground Water Rule
5
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jun 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2024 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2024
May 2022 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2022
May 2022 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2022
Sep 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2021
Sep 2021 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2021
Jun 2021 Resolved
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2021
Jun 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2021
Showing 20 of 51 violations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Melbourne Beach's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.70 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.2 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.8 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.700 mg/L (2025)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Melbourne Beach compares by contaminant

Explore where Melbourne Beach ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
750
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Melbourne Beach's water comes from

Groundwater

Melbourne Beach'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 private ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Melbourne Beach

Melbourne Beach is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Creve Coeur Creek At Chesterfield
river
Creve Coeur Creek Near Creve Coeur
river
Fee Fee Creek Near Bridgeton
river
River Des Peres Near University City
river
River Des Peres Tributary At Pagedale
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Melbourne Beach

System Name PWSID Population Source
AQUARINA UTILITIES FL3054060 750 GW
Regional Comparison

How Melbourne Beach compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Melbourne Beach's score of 78.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Melbourne Beach (this city)
78.7
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Melbourne Beach, MO

Wikipedia →

Des Peres is a city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,193 at the 2020 census.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Melbourne Beach, MO tap water safe to drink?

Melbourne Beach's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #333 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Melbourne Beach's water?

Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.

How is Melbourne Beach'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 Melbourne Beach?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Melbourne Beach's water come from?

Melbourne Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.

What health violations has Melbourne Beach's water system had?

Melbourne Beach has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.

Is Melbourne Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Melbourne Beach 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 51 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 Melbourne Beach's water compare to other cities?

Melbourne Beach ranks #333 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 35% of state cities) and #8579 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Melbourne Beach's small water system affect quality?

Melbourne Beach's system serves approximately 750 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 51 violations on record.