Is Portageville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72/100
waterverge.com Portageville, MO — Water Quality Report
Portageville's drinking water received a grade of B- (72 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 31 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Portageville's water
Portageville ranks #385 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Portageville 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Portageville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Portageville, MO water safe to drink?
Portageville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Portageville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Portageville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Portageville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Portageville's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
New Madrid County has experienced 6 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 Portageville's water come from?
Portageville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Portageville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Portageville'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Portageville'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 Portageville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Portageville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 876 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC NEW MADRID POWER PLANT MARSTON, MO63866 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 809 | 9.0 mi |
SRG GLOBAL PORTAGEVILLE PORTAGEVILLE, MO63873 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 67 | 0.4 mi |
MAGNITUDE 7 METALS LLC MARSTON, MO63866 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNew Madrid 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
New Madrid County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Portageville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Portageville compares by contaminant
Explore where Portageville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Portageville's water comes from
Portageville'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 3,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Portageville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTAGEVILLE PWS | MO4010658 | 3,200 | GW |
How Portageville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Portageville's score of 72/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Portageville, MO
Wikipedia →Portageville is a city located within New Madrid and Pemiscot in the U.S. state of Missouri. The population was 2,942 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Portageville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Is Portageville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Portageville's water quality earned a grade of B- (72/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #385 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Portageville's water?
Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Portageville'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 Portageville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Portageville's water come from?
Portageville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.
What health violations has Portageville's water system had?
Portageville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Portageville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Portageville 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 31 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 Portageville's water compare to other cities?
Portageville ranks #385 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 24% of state cities) and #10458 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Portageville's small water system affect quality?
Portageville's system serves approximately 3,200 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 31 violations on record.