Is New London, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com New London, MO — Water Quality Report
New London's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about New London's water
New London ranks #237 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, New London may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New London, MO water safe to drink?
New London's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New London
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New London's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New London's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
New London's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ralls County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Bear Creek At Hannibal, Salt River Near New London, Spencer Creek Below Plum Creek Near Frankford.
Where does New London's water come from?
New London's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 975 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek At Hannibal (river), Salt River Near New London (river), Spencer Creek Below Plum Creek Near Frankford (river).
What New London 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
New London'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 New London
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New London, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONTINENTAL CEMENT CO LLC HANNIBAL, MO63401 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 8.5 mi |
ENDURO INDUSTRIES LLC HANNIBAL, MO63401 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
ENNIS-FLINT HANNIBAL, MO63401 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ralls County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New London's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New London compares by contaminant
Explore where New London ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New London's water comes from
New London'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 975 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New London
New London is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New London
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW LONDON PWS | MO2010569 | 975 | SWP |
How New London compares
Full Missouri rankings →New London's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About New London, MO
Wikipedia →New London is a city in and the county seat of Ralls County, Missouri, United States. The population was 943 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New London's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ralls
Frequently asked questions
Is New London, MO tap water safe to drink?
New London's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #237 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in New London's water?
Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is New London'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 New London?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New London's water come from?
New London's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 975 residents.
What health violations has New London's water system had?
New London has 1 health-based violation 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does New London's water compare to other cities?
New London ranks #237 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 53% of state cities) and #5792 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New London's small water system affect quality?
New London's system serves approximately 975 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 3 violations on record.