Is Pierce City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.5/100
waterverge.com Pierce City, MO — Water Quality Report
Pierce City's drinking water received a grade of B (75.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 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 65 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pierce City's water
Pierce City ranks #358 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pierce City 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, Pierce City 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 Pierce City, MO water safe to drink?
Pierce City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pierce City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pierce City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Pierce City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pierce City's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence 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.
Where does Pierce City's water come from?
Pierce City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pierce City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pierce City'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.
Pierce City'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 Pierce City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pierce City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC MONETT, MO65708 | Copper | 5 | 5.5 mi |
EFCO LLC MONETT, MO65708 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
MONETT METALS INC MONETT, MO65708 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
PLAYPOWER EAST MONETT, MO65708 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
TYSON POULTRY INC MONETT, MO65708 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lawrence 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 Pierce City compares by contaminant
Explore where Pierce City ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pierce City's water comes from
Pierce City'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pierce City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIERCE CITY PWS | MO5010641 | 1,200 | GW |
How Pierce City compares
Full Missouri rankings →Pierce City's score of 75.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Pierce City, MO
Wikipedia →Pierce City, formerly Peirce City, is a city in southwest Lawrence and northwest Barry counties, in southwest Missouri, United States. The population was 1,251 at the 2020 census. According to the 2024 census population estimate, the town is home to an estimated 1,272 individuals.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pierce City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Pierce City, MO tap water safe to drink?
Pierce City's water quality earned a grade of B (75.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #358 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Pierce City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Pierce City'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 Pierce City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pierce City's water come from?
Pierce City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Pierce City's water system had?
Pierce City has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pierce City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pierce City 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 65 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 Pierce City's water compare to other cities?
Pierce City ranks #358 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 30% of state cities) and #9570 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pierce City's small water system affect quality?
Pierce City's system serves approximately 1,200 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 65 violations on record.