WaterVerge

Is Plattsburg, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO1010648
Overall Score
85.3 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#218 of 509 in Missouri Top 34% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.3/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.3/100

Plattsburg, MO — Water Quality Report

Plattsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,354 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 17 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Plattsburg's water

Plattsburg ranks #218 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Plattsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.3 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.3/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Plattsburg, MO water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Plattsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,354 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

4
Active Violations
1.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Plattsburg

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plattsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Plattsburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Plattsburg's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONRPTOtherTTMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Nov 2013 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Nov 2013 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clinton County has experienced 6 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 Little Platte River Near Plattsburg.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3232
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-995
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-713

Where does Plattsburg's water come from?

Plattsburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,354 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Platte River Near Plattsburg (river).

What Plattsburg residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plattsburg's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Plattsburg'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

17
Total violations
9
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

17 Total
4 Active
9 Health-based
13 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Surface Water Treatment Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1999 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2025
Nov 2013 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2013
Nov 2013 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2013
May 2012 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2012
Jul 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2009
Apr 2009 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2009
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Apr 2006 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2006
Jan 2006 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2006
Oct 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2005
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2004
Jan 1999 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 1999
Dec 1998 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1998
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Clinton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
Jun 1984
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #713
Jun 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #439
Nov 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #407
Jul 1965
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #203

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.1 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,354
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Plattsburg's water comes from

Surface Water

Plattsburg's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,354 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Plattsburg

Plattsburg is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Little Platte River Near Plattsburg
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Plattsburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
PLATTSBURG PWS MO1010648 2,354 SW
Regional Comparison

How Plattsburg compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Plattsburg's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Plattsburg (this city)
85.3
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Plattsburg, MO

Economic Profile
$59,844
Median Income
$163,195
Median Home Value
$723/mo
Median Rent
4.8%
Unemployment
Community
48.9
Median Age
245
People / sq mi
27.5%
College Educated
66.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Plattsburg, MO tap water safe to drink?

Plattsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #218 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Plattsburg's water?

Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.

How is Plattsburg'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 Plattsburg?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Plattsburg's water come from?

Plattsburg's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,354 residents.

What health violations has Plattsburg's water system had?

Plattsburg has 9 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.

How does Plattsburg's water compare to other cities?

Plattsburg ranks #218 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 57% of state cities) and #5391 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Plattsburg's small water system affect quality?

Plattsburg's system serves approximately 2,354 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 17 violations on record.