Is Riverside, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
waterverge.com Riverside, MO — Water Quality Report
Riverside's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 775 residents using purchased 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riverside's water
Riverside ranks #362 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average 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, Riverside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riverside, MO water safe to drink?
Riverside's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 775 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Riverside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riverside's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Riverside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riverside's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Platte County has experienced 10 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. Local water sources include Turkey Creek, Kansas R, Missouri River At Kansas City, Missouri River At Randolph, Brush Creek At Ward Parkway In Kansas City.
Where does Riverside's water come from?
Riverside's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 775 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Turkey Creek (river), Kansas R (river), Missouri River At Kansas City (river), Missouri River At Randolph (river), Brush Creek At Ward Parkway In Kansas City (river).
What Riverside residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riverside'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.
Riverside'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 Riverside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Riverside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 58,803 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAYER CROPSCIENCE LP - KC KANSAS CITY, MO64120 | n-Butyl alcohol | 58,759 | 9.0 mi |
GM MLCG FAIRFAX ASSEMBLY KANSAS CITY, KS66115 | Copper | 26 | 2.0 mi |
HAWTHORN GENERATING STATION KANSAS CITY, MO64120 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 9 | 8.2 mi |
HENKEL US OPERATIONS CORP NORTH KANSAS CITY, MO64116 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 5 | 4.9 mi |
PHILLIPS 66 KANSAS CITY TERMINAL KANSAS CITY, KS66115 | Toluene | 4 | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Riverside
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ARMOUR ROAD4.5 mi
- CONSERVATION CHEMICAL CO9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Platte County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Riverside compares by contaminant
Explore where Riverside ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riverside's water comes from
Riverside'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 private ownership and serves approximately 775 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Riverside
Riverside is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Riverside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEADOW VIEW MHC LLC | MO1046372 | 320 | SWP |
| VALLEY VIEW MHC LLC | MO1046373 | 320 | GWP |
| GREEN HILLS MHC LLC | MO1046371 | 135 | GWP |
How Riverside compares
Full Missouri rankings →Riverside's score of 75.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Riverside, MO
Wikipedia →Riverside is a city in Platte County, Missouri, United States, that is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population was 4,013 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riverside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cass
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverside, MO tap water safe to drink?
Riverside's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #362 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Riverside's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Riverside'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 Riverside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riverside's water come from?
Riverside's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 775 residents.
How does Riverside's water compare to other cities?
Riverside ranks #362 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 29% of state cities) and #9634 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.