Is Missouri Valley, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.3/100
waterverge.com Missouri Valley, IA — Water Quality Report
Missouri Valley's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,939 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 79 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Missouri Valley's water
Missouri Valley ranks #422 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Missouri Valley 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, Missouri Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Missouri Valley, IA water safe to drink?
Missouri Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,939 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Missouri Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Missouri Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1998). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Missouri Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Missouri Valley's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harrison County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Boyer River At Logan.
Where does Missouri Valley's water come from?
Missouri Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,939 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Boyer River At Logan (river).
What Missouri Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Missouri Valley'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.
Missouri Valley'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Missouri Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Missouri Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARRY-ON TRAILER CORP MISSOURI VALLEY, IA51555 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Harrison County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Missouri Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Missouri Valley ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Missouri Valley's water comes from
Missouri Valley'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 2,939 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Missouri Valley
Missouri Valley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Missouri Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MISSOURI VALLEY WATER SUPPLY | IA4344088 | 2,684 | GW |
| SUNNYSIDE VILLAGE MHP LLC | IA4300600 | 190 | GW |
| VALLEY VIEW WATER ASSOCIATION | IA4300601 | 65 | GW |
How Missouri Valley compares
Full Iowa rankings →Missouri Valley's score of 66.3/100 is below the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Missouri Valley, IA
Wikipedia →Missouri Valley is a city in Harrison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,678 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Missouri Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
Frequently asked questions
Is Missouri Valley, IA tap water safe to drink?
Missouri Valley's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #422 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Missouri Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.
How is Missouri Valley'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 Missouri Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Missouri Valley's water come from?
Missouri Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,939 residents.
What health violations has Missouri Valley's water system had?
Missouri Valley has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Missouri Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Missouri Valley 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 79 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 Missouri Valley's water compare to other cities?
Missouri Valley ranks #422 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 3% of state cities) and #11385 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.