Is Pomona, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Pomona, MO — Water Quality Report
Pomona's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 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 21 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pomona's water
Pomona ranks #104 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pomona 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, Pomona may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pomona, MO water safe to drink?
Pomona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pomona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pomona's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pomona's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pomona's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Howell 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 Pomona's water come from?
Pomona's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pomona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pomona'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.
Pomona'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 Pomona
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pomona, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 200 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AHF PRODUCTS WEST PLAINS, MO65775 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 200 | 9.5 mi |
HIGH PERFORMANCE HOSE FACILITY POMONA, MO65789 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHowell County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Howell 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 Pomona compares by contaminant
Explore where Pomona ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pomona's water comes from
Pomona'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pomona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOWELL COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO4024264 | 850 | GW |
How Pomona compares
Full Missouri rankings →Pomona's score of 89.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pomona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Howell
Frequently asked questions
Is Pomona, MO tap water safe to drink?
Pomona's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Pomona's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Pomona'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 Pomona?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pomona's water come from?
Pomona's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Pomona's water system had?
Pomona has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2013. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pomona's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pomona 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 21 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 Pomona's water compare to other cities?
Pomona ranks #104 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 80% of state cities) and #2739 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pomona's small water system affect quality?
Pomona's system serves approximately 850 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 21 violations on record.