Is Oronogo, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Oronogo, MO — Water Quality Report
Oronogo's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,719 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oronogo's water
Oronogo ranks #145 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oronogo 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, Oronogo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oronogo, MO water safe to drink?
Oronogo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,719 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oronogo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oronogo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oronogo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oronogo's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Oronogo's water come from?
Oronogo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,719 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oronogo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oronogo'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.
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 Oronogo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oronogo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 764 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DYNO NOBEL INC - CARTHAGE PLANT CARTHAGE, MO64836 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 764 | 5.3 mi |
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO JOPLIN, MO64801 | Nickel | 0 | 8.9 mi |
ABLE MANUFACTURING & ASSEMBLY LLC JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
EAGLEPICHER TECHNOLOGIES LLC JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
DUCOMMUN LABARGE TECHNOLOGIES,INC. JOPLIN, MO64801 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Oronogo
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.
- ORONOGO DUENWEG MINING BELT6.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oronogo compares by contaminant
Explore where Oronogo ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oronogo's water comes from
Oronogo'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 2,719 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Oronogo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORONOGO PWS | MO5010606 | 2,719 | GW |
How Oronogo compares
Full Missouri rankings →Oronogo's score of 88/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Oronogo, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oronogo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jasper
Frequently asked questions
Is Oronogo, MO tap water safe to drink?
Oronogo's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #145 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Oronogo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Oronogo'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 Oronogo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oronogo's water come from?
Oronogo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,719 residents.
What health violations has Oronogo's water system had?
Oronogo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oronogo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oronogo 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 6 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 Oronogo's water compare to other cities?
Oronogo ranks #145 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 72% of state cities) and #3704 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oronogo's small water system affect quality?
Oronogo's system serves approximately 2,719 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 6 violations on record.