Is Roach, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.2/100
waterverge.com Roach, MO — Water Quality Report
Roach's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,542 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 68 violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roach's water
Roach ranks #373 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Roach 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, Roach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roach, MO water safe to drink?
Roach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,542 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roach's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roach's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 31 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Camden 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. Local water sources include Niangua River Ab Lake Niangua Nr Macks Creek, Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek.
Where does Roach's water come from?
Roach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,542 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Niangua River Ab Lake Niangua Nr Macks Creek (river), Niangua River At Tunnel Dam Near Macks Creek (river).
What Roach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roach'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.
Roach'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
Camden 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 Roach compares by contaminant
Explore where Roach ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roach's water comes from
Roach'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,542 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Roach
Roach is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENCOUNTER COVE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER | MO3242220 | 1,052 | GW |
| BIG ISLAND WATER COMPANY | MO3031265 | 175 | GW |
| PLEASANT VALLEY ASSN 1 | MO5031429 | 175 | GW |
| ARROW RIDGE SHORES | MO3031133 | 140 | GW |
How Roach compares
Full Missouri rankings →Roach's score of 74.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Roach, MO
Wikipedia →Roach is an unincorporated community in southern Camden County, Missouri, United States. It is located north of U.S. Route 54 on Missouri Route AA, approximately five miles west of Camdenton and 2.5 miles west of the Niangua River arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The ZIP Code for Roach is 65787.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Camden
Frequently asked questions
Is Roach, MO tap water safe to drink?
Roach's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #373 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Roach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Roach'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 Roach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roach's water come from?
Roach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,542 residents.
What health violations has Roach's water system had?
Roach has 31 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roach 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 68 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 Roach's water compare to other cities?
Roach ranks #373 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 27% of state cities) and #9917 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.