Is Rockville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.6/100
waterverge.com Rockville, MO — Water Quality Report
Rockville's drinking water received a grade of B (75.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 675 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 46 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rockville's water
Rockville ranks #356 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, Rockville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rockville, MO water safe to drink?
Rockville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 675 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rockville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rockville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Rockville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Rockville's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 3 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 Osage River Above Schell City, Osage River At Taberville.
Where does Rockville's water come from?
Rockville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 675 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Osage River Above Schell City (river), Osage River At Taberville (river).
What Rockville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rockville'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.
Rockville'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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rockville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.64 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rockville compares by contaminant
Explore where Rockville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rockville's water comes from
Rockville'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 675 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rockville
Rockville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rockville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATES COUNTY PWSD 7 | MO1021160 | 500 | SWP |
| ROCKVILLE PWS | MO1010698 | 175 | SWP |
How Rockville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Rockville's score of 75.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Rockville, MO
Wikipedia →Rockville is a city in Bates County, Missouri, and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area within the United States. The population was 135 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rockville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bates
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Rockville's water quality earned a grade of B (75.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #356 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Rockville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Rockville'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 Rockville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rockville's water come from?
Rockville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 675 residents.
What health violations has Rockville's water system had?
Rockville has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rockville's water compare to other cities?
Rockville ranks #356 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 30% of state cities) and #9542 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.