WaterVerge

Is Queen City, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO2024559
Overall Score
94.8 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#11 of 509 in Missouri Top 3% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.8/100
waterverge.com
A 94.8/100

Queen City, MO — Water Quality Report

Queen City's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,482 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 1 PFAS compound in the water supply.

The system has 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Queen City's water

Queen City ranks #11 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.

PFAS compounds were detected in testing, though levels remain within current EPA limits. Residents seeking extra precaution may consider an activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.5/20
A
1 PFAS compound detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Queen City, MO water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Queen City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,482 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 compound
PFAS Detected
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Queen City

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

PFAS
1 PFAS "forever chemical" compound detected

Detected at levels within current EPA limits. PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Queen City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).

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.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Queen City's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

PFAS (1 compound) Elevated
Detected: Highest: PFBA at 0.0120 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

Detected but within current EPA limits. PFAS do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. An activated carbon filter can reduce exposure.

Violation history

Queen City's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2012 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2004 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Dec 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 1994 Atrazine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Schuyler County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3232
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-995
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-407

Where does Queen City's water come from?

Queen City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,482 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Queen City residents can do

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

Queen 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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
PFBA
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
0.0120 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
1
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
3
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jul 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
1 Active
3 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
1
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2004 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Dec 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1996
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1996
Jan 1994 Resolved
Atrazine
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1994
Sep 1982 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1983
Jun 1980 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1982
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Schuyler County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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
Nov 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #407

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Queen City's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
1 PFAS compound detected

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.012 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,482
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Queen City's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Queen City'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 3,482 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Queen City

System Name PWSID Population Source
SCHUYLER COUNTY CONSOLIDATED PWSD 1 MO2024559 3,482 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Queen City compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Queen City's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Queen City (this city)
94.8
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Queen City, MO

Economic Profile
$45,893
Median Income
$391/mo
Median Rent
2.8%
Unemployment
Community
38.7
Median Age
266
People / sq mi
1.5%
College Educated
52.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Queen City, MO tap water safe to drink?

Queen City's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Queen City's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 PFAS compound was detected. 7 violations are on record.

How is Queen 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 Queen City?

PFAS compounds have been detected. A filter with activated carbon can help reduce exposure.

Where does Queen City's water come from?

Queen City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,482 residents.

What health violations has Queen City's water system had?

Queen City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

How does Queen City's water compare to other cities?

Queen City ranks #11 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 98% of state cities) and #420 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.