Is Milan, 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 ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Milan, MO — Water Quality Report
Milan's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,844 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Milan's water
Milan ranks #159 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, Milan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milan, MO water safe to drink?
Milan's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,844 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Milan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milan's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Milan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Milan's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan 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 East Locust Creek Near Boynton.
Where does Milan's water come from?
Milan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,844 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Locust Creek Near Boynton (river).
What Milan 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Milan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Milan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 341,370 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SMITHFIELD FRESH MEATS CORP - MILAN MO MILAN, MO63556 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 341,370 | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sullivan 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Milan compares by contaminant
Explore where Milan ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milan's water comes from
Milan'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 1,844 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Milan
Milan is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Milan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILAN PWS | MO2010523 | 1,819 | SWP |
| NORTH CENTRAL MO REGIONAL WATER COM | MO2021537 | 25 | SW |
How Milan compares
Full Missouri rankings →Milan's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Milan, MO
Wikipedia →Milan is a city in Sullivan County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,819 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Sullivan County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Milan, MO tap water safe to drink?
Milan's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #159 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Milan's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Milan'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 Milan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Milan's water come from?
Milan's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,844 residents.
What health violations has Milan's water system had?
Milan has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Milan's water compare to other cities?
Milan ranks #159 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 69% of state cities) and #3952 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.