Is Rockaway Beach, 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 ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com Rockaway Beach, MO — Water Quality Report
Rockaway Beach's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 841 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 14 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rockaway Beach's water
Rockaway Beach ranks #129 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rockaway Beach 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, Rockaway Beach may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rockaway Beach, MO water safe to drink?
Rockaway Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 841 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rockaway Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rockaway Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rockaway Beach's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rockaway Beach's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taney 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 White River Bl Table Rock Dam Near Branson, Lake Taneycomo At School Of The Ozarks, Turkey Creek Near Hollister, Bull Creek Near Walnut Shade, Lake Taneycomo At Ozark Beach Dam.
Where does Rockaway Beach's water come from?
Rockaway Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 841 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River Bl Table Rock Dam Near Branson (river), Lake Taneycomo At School Of The Ozarks (lake), Turkey Creek Near Hollister (river), Bull Creek Near Walnut Shade (river), Lake Taneycomo At Ozark Beach Dam (lake).
What Rockaway Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rockaway Beach'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.
Rockaway Beach'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 Rockaway Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rockaway Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONCRETE CO OF THE OZARKS- BRANSON EAST HOLLISTER, MO65672 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTaney County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Taney 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 Rockaway Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Rockaway Beach ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rockaway Beach's water comes from
Rockaway Beach'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 841 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rockaway Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKAWAY BEACH PWS | MO5010697 | 841 | GW |
How Rockaway Beach compares
Full Missouri rankings →Rockaway Beach's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Rockaway Beach, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rockaway Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taney
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockaway Beach, MO tap water safe to drink?
Rockaway Beach's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Rockaway Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Rockaway Beach'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 Rockaway Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rockaway Beach's water come from?
Rockaway Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 841 residents.
What health violations has Rockaway Beach's water system had?
Rockaway Beach has 6 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rockaway Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rockaway Beach 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 14 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 Rockaway Beach's water compare to other cities?
Rockaway Beach ranks #129 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 75% of state cities) and #3438 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rockaway Beach's small water system affect quality?
Rockaway Beach's system serves approximately 841 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 14 violations on record.