Is Middle Brook, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Middle Brook, MO — Water Quality Report
Middle Brook's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 839 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Middle Brook's water
Middle Brook ranks #149 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Middle Brook 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, Middle Brook may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Middle Brook, MO water safe to drink?
Middle Brook's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 839 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Middle Brook
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Middle Brook's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Middle Brook's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Middle Brook's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
Where does Middle Brook's water come from?
Middle Brook's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 839 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big River Below Desloge (river).
What Middle Brook residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Middle Brook'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtIron County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Middle Brook compares by contaminant
Explore where Middle Brook ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Middle Brook's water comes from
Middle Brook 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 Middle Brook'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 839 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Middle Brook
Middle Brook is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Middle Brook
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PILOT KNOB RURAL WD 1 N & S | MO4020601 | 839 | GWP |
How Middle Brook compares
Full Missouri rankings →Middle Brook's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Middle Brook, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Middle Brook's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Middle Brook, MO tap water safe to drink?
Middle Brook's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #149 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Middle Brook's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Middle Brook'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 Middle Brook?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Middle Brook's water come from?
Middle Brook's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 839 residents.
What health violations has Middle Brook's water system had?
Middle Brook has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Middle Brook's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Middle Brook 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 19 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 Middle Brook's water compare to other cities?
Middle Brook ranks #149 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 71% of state cities) and #3788 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Middle Brook's small water system affect quality?
Middle Brook's system serves approximately 839 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 19 violations on record.