Is Pattonsburg, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.3/100
Pattonsburg, MO — Water Quality Report
Pattonsburg's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,480 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 32 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pattonsburg's water
Pattonsburg ranks #403 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pattonsburg 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, Pattonsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pattonsburg, MO water safe to drink?
Pattonsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,480 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pattonsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pattonsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pattonsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pattonsburg's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Daviess County has experienced 4 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 Grand River Near Pattonsburg.
Where does Pattonsburg's water come from?
Pattonsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,480 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grand River Near Pattonsburg (river).
What Pattonsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pattonsburg'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.
Pattonsburg'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 Pattonsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pattonsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MURPHY BROWN OF MISSOURI LLC-COFFEY FEEDMILL PATTONSBURG, MO64670 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Daviess County has experienced 4 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 Pattonsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Pattonsburg ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pattonsburg's water comes from
Pattonsburg 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 Pattonsburg'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,480 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pattonsburg
Pattonsburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pattonsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVIESS COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO1024186 | 2,165 | GWP |
| PATTONSBURG PWS | MO1010632 | 315 | GW |
How Pattonsburg compares
Full Missouri rankings →Pattonsburg's score of 70.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Pattonsburg, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pattonsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Daviess
Frequently asked questions
Is Pattonsburg, MO tap water safe to drink?
Pattonsburg's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #403 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Pattonsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Pattonsburg'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 Pattonsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pattonsburg's water come from?
Pattonsburg's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,480 residents.
What health violations has Pattonsburg's water system had?
Pattonsburg has 5 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pattonsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pattonsburg 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 32 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 Pattonsburg's water compare to other cities?
Pattonsburg ranks #403 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 21% of state cities) and #10760 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.