Is Moscow Mills, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
Moscow Mills, MO — Water Quality Report
Moscow Mills's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,640 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 31 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moscow Mills's water
Moscow Mills ranks #360 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Moscow Mills 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moscow Mills, MO water safe to drink?
Moscow Mills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,640 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Moscow Mills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moscow Mills's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moscow Mills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Moscow Mills's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Cuivre River Near Troy.
Where does Moscow Mills's water come from?
Moscow Mills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,640 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cuivre River Near Troy (river).
What Moscow Mills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moscow Mills'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.
Moscow Mills'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 Moscow Mills
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moscow Mills, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING MISSOURI INC. TROY, MO63379 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
MOST INC TROY, MO63379 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
SUPERIOR HOME PRODUCTS INC WENTZVILLE, MO63385 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
UNIVERSAL GALVANIZING INC WRIGHT CITY, MO63390 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lincoln County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Moscow Mills compares by contaminant
Explore where Moscow Mills ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moscow Mills's water comes from
Moscow Mills'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 4,640 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Moscow Mills
Moscow Mills is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Moscow Mills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOSCOW MILLS PWS | MO6010547 | 4,500 | GW |
| EMERALD GREEN ESTATES | MO6030008 | 100 | GW |
| SOUTHFIELD SUBDIVISION | MO6031274 | 40 | GW |
How Moscow Mills compares
Full Missouri rankings →Moscow Mills's score of 75.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Moscow Mills, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moscow Mills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Moscow Mills, MO tap water safe to drink?
Moscow Mills's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #360 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Moscow Mills's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Moscow Mills'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 Moscow Mills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moscow Mills's water come from?
Moscow Mills's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,640 residents.
What health violations has Moscow Mills's water system had?
Moscow Mills has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Moscow Mills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Moscow Mills 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 31 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 Moscow Mills's water compare to other cities?
Moscow Mills ranks #360 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 29% of state cities) and #9623 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.