Is Pleasant Hope, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
Pleasant Hope, MO — Water Quality Report
Pleasant Hope'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 614 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 20 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pleasant Hope's water
Pleasant Hope ranks #221 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pleasant Hope 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, Pleasant Hope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pleasant Hope, MO water safe to drink?
Pleasant Hope'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 614 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pleasant Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pleasant Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pleasant Hope's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pleasant Hope's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 4 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 Pleasant Hope's water come from?
Pleasant Hope's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 614 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pleasant Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pleasant Hope'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.
Pleasant Hope'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 Pleasant Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pleasant Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRACKER MARINE BOLIVAR PLANT 2 BOLIVAR, MO65613 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Polk County has experienced 4 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 Pleasant Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where Pleasant Hope ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pleasant Hope's water comes from
Pleasant Hope'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 614 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pleasant Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT HOPE PWS | MO5010650 | 614 | GW |
How Pleasant Hope compares
Full Missouri rankings →Pleasant Hope's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Pleasant Hope, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pleasant Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Pleasant Hope, MO tap water safe to drink?
Pleasant Hope'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 #221 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Pleasant Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Pleasant Hope'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 Pleasant Hope?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pleasant Hope's water come from?
Pleasant Hope's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 614 residents.
What health violations has Pleasant Hope's water system had?
Pleasant Hope has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pleasant Hope's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pleasant Hope 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 20 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 Pleasant Hope's water compare to other cities?
Pleasant Hope ranks #221 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 57% of state cities) and #5415 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 Pleasant Hope's small water system affect quality?
Pleasant Hope's system serves approximately 614 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 20 violations on record.