Is New Madrid, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com New Madrid, MO — Water Quality Report
New Madrid's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 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 8 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Madrid's water
New Madrid ranks #266 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Madrid 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, New Madrid may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Madrid, MO water safe to drink?
New Madrid's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,250 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Madrid
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Madrid's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Madrid's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Madrid's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
New Madrid County has experienced 6 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 Mississippi River At New Madrid.
Where does New Madrid's water come from?
New Madrid's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississippi River At New Madrid (river).
What New Madrid residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Madrid'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.
New Madrid'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 Madrid
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Madrid, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 809 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC NEW MADRID POWER PLANT MARSTON, MO63866 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 809 | 4.7 mi |
HEARTLAND ASPHALT MATERIALS NEW MADRID, MO63869 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
MAGNITUDE 7 METALS LLC MARSTON, MO63866 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNew Madrid County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Flood & disaster history
New Madrid County has experienced 6 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Madrid compares by contaminant
Explore where New Madrid ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Madrid's water comes from
New Madrid'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 3,250 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Madrid
New Madrid is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Madrid
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW MADRID PWS | MO4010570 | 3,250 | GW |
How New Madrid compares
Full Missouri rankings →New Madrid's score of 83.4/100 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 Madrid, MO
Wikipedia →New Madrid is a city in and the county seat of New Madrid County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,787 at the 2020 census. The city is located 42 miles (68 km) southwest of Cairo, Illinois, and north of an exclave of Fulton County, Kentucky, across the Mississippi River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Madrid's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Is New Madrid, MO tap water safe to drink?
New Madrid's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #266 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in New Madrid's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is New Madrid'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 Madrid?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Madrid's water come from?
New Madrid's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,250 residents.
What health violations has New Madrid's water system had?
New Madrid has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Madrid's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Madrid 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 8 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 New Madrid's water compare to other cities?
New Madrid ranks #266 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 48% of state cities) and #6444 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Madrid's small water system affect quality?
New Madrid's system serves approximately 3,250 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 8 violations on record.