Is Orrick, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.5/100
waterverge.com Orrick, MO — Water Quality Report
Orrick's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 752 residents using purchased ground water.
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 10 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Orrick's water
Orrick ranks #43 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Orrick purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Orrick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orrick, MO water safe to drink?
Orrick's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 752 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orrick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orrick's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orrick's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Orrick's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buchanan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Missouri River At St. Joseph, Platte River Near Agency.
Where does Orrick's water come from?
Orrick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 752 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At St. Joseph (river), Platte River Near Agency (river).
What Orrick 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.
Orrick'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 Orrick
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Orrick, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARNETTE POLYMERS LLC RICHMOND, MO64085 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
RHINO LININGS CORP. RICHMOND, MO64085 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN WOOD - BUCKNER INC. BUCKNER, MO64016 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Buchanan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Orrick compares by contaminant
Explore where Orrick ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orrick's water comes from
Orrick purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Orrick's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 752 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Orrick
Orrick is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Orrick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN ORRICK | MO1010607 | 752 | GWP |
How Orrick compares
Full Missouri rankings →Orrick's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Orrick, MO
Wikipedia →St. Joseph is a city in and the county seat of Buchanan County, Missouri, United States. Located on the Missouri River, it is the principal city of the St. Joseph Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Buchanan, Andrew, and DeKalb counties in Missouri and Doniphan County, Kansas. As of the 2020 census, St. Joseph had a population of 72,473, making it the 8th most populous city in the state, and the 3rd most populous in Northwest Missouri. St. Joseph is located roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of the Kansas City, Missouri city limits and approximately 125 miles (201 km) south of Omaha, Nebraska.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orrick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ray
Frequently asked questions
Is Orrick, MO tap water safe to drink?
Orrick's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #43 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Orrick's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Orrick'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 Orrick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orrick's water come from?
Orrick's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 752 residents.
What health violations has Orrick's water system had?
Orrick has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Orrick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orrick 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 10 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 Orrick's water compare to other cities?
Orrick ranks #43 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 92% of state cities) and #1233 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Orrick's small water system affect quality?
Orrick's system serves approximately 752 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 10 violations on record.