Is Osage Beach, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 80 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Osage Beach, MO — Water Quality Report
Osage Beach's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 18 water systems serve approximately 8,555 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 233 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 80 remain unresolved.
What to know about Osage Beach's water
Osage Beach ranks #472 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Osage Beach 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.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Osage Beach, MO water safe to drink?
Osage Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 18 water systems serve approximately 8,555 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Osage Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Osage Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Osage Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Osage Beach's water system has 233 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 80 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Camden County has experienced 5 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 Osage River Near Bagnell.
Where does Osage Beach's water come from?
Osage Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 18 water systems serving approximately 8,555 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Osage River Near Bagnell (river).
What Osage Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Osage Beach'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.
Osage Beach'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 Osage Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Osage Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OZARK READY MIX - OSAGE BEACH OSAGE BEACH, MO65065 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Camden County has experienced 5 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 Osage Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Osage Beach ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Osage Beach's water comes from
Osage Beach'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 8,555 people through 18 water systems.
Water bodies near Osage Beach
Osage Beach is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Osage Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSAGE BEACH EAST PWS | MO3011367 | 2,611 | GW |
| OSAGE BEACH WEST PWS | MO3011346 | 1,740 | GW |
| SWEET PEA PWS | MO3076376 | 980 | GWP |
| KK WATER SUPPLY | MO3036050 | 800 | GW |
| THE KNOLLS | MO3252255 | 725 | GW |
| TIMBERLAKE MASTER ASSN INC | MO3031365 | 300 | GW |
| TUSCANY CONDOMINIUMS | MO5301390 | 300 | GW |
| TT SEWER | MO3071339 | 250 | GW |
| OSAGE HIGHLANDS | MO3031089 | 200 | GW |
| ECHO VALLEY SUBDIVISION | MO3031267 | 175 | GW |
| ST TROPEZ SUBDIVISION | MO3031279 | 79 | GW |
| PENINSULA SUBD | MO3031349 | 75 | GW |
| ROBYN POINT | MO3030474 | 72 | GW |
| SIOUX TRAILS | MO3036216 | 72 | GW |
| KAHALA ESTATES | MO5031570 | 65 | GW |
| OAKWOOD HILLS SUBDIVISION | MO5031469 | 50 | GW |
| OAK SHADOWS SUBDIVISION | MO5031544 | 36 | GW |
| LAKE OZARKS RV RESORT AND CAMPGROUND | MO3243371 | 25 | GW |
How Osage Beach compares
Full Missouri rankings →Osage Beach's score of 47/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Osage Beach, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Osage Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Camden
Frequently asked questions
Is Osage Beach, MO tap water safe to drink?
Osage Beach's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #472 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Osage Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 233 violations are on record.
How is Osage Beach'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 Osage Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Osage Beach's water come from?
Osage Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 18 water systems serving approximately 8,555 residents.
What health violations has Osage Beach's water system had?
Osage Beach has 30 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 80 violations remain unresolved.
Is Osage Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Osage Beach 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 233 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 Osage Beach's water compare to other cities?
Osage Beach ranks #472 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 7% of state cities) and #13688 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.