Is Oran, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.8/100
waterverge.com Oran, MO — Water Quality Report
Oran's drinking water received a grade of C (62.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,603 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 73 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oran's water
Oran ranks #437 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Oran 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, Oran may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oran, MO water safe to drink?
Oran's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,603 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oran
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oran's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oran's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Oran's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott 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.
Where does Oran's water come from?
Oran's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,603 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oran residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oran'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.
Oran'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 Oran
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oran, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MANAC TRAILERS USA INC ORAN PLANT ORAN, MO63771 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Oran
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- QUALITY PLATING10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtScott County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Scott 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oran'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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (1998)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Oran compares by contaminant
Explore where Oran ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oran's water comes from
Oran'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 1,603 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Oran
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORAN PWS | MO4010604 | 1,294 | GW |
| STODDARD COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO4024582 | 309 | GW |
How Oran compares
Full Missouri rankings →Oran's score of 62.8/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Oran, MO
Wikipedia →Oran is a city in Scott County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Oran had a population of 1,195.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oran's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Oran, MO tap water safe to drink?
Oran's water quality earned a grade of C (62.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #437 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Oran's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Oran'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 Oran?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oran's water come from?
Oran's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,603 residents.
What health violations has Oran's water system had?
Oran has 17 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. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oran's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oran 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 73 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 Oran's water compare to other cities?
Oran ranks #437 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 14% of state cities) and #11842 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.