Is Rich Hill, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Rich Hill, MO — Water Quality Report
Rich Hill's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water.
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 35 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rich Hill's water
Rich Hill ranks #183 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, Rich Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rich Hill, MO water safe to drink?
Rich Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rich Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rich Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Rich Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rich Hill's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bates County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Osage River At Horton.
Where does Rich Hill's water come from?
Rich Hill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Osage River At Horton (river).
What Rich Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rich Hill'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.
Rich Hill'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
Flood & disaster history
Bates County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Rich Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Rich Hill ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rich Hill's water comes from
Rich Hill'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rich Hill
Rich Hill is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rich Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICH HILL PWS | MO1010682 | 1,400 | SW |
How Rich Hill compares
Full Missouri rankings →Rich Hill's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Rich Hill, MO
Wikipedia →Rich Hill is a city in southern Bates County, Missouri, United States, that is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population was 1,232 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rich Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bates
Frequently asked questions
Is Rich Hill, MO tap water safe to drink?
Rich Hill's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #183 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Rich Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Rich Hill'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 Rich Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rich Hill's water come from?
Rich Hill's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Rich Hill's water system had?
Rich Hill has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rich Hill's water compare to other cities?
Rich Hill ranks #183 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 64% of state cities) and #4533 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rich Hill's small water system affect quality?
Rich Hill's system serves approximately 1,400 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 35 violations on record.