WaterVerge

Is Rocky Comfort, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO5021113
Overall Score
87.8 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#151 of 509 in Missouri Top 24% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.8/100

Rocky Comfort, MO — Water Quality Report

Rocky Comfort's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Rocky Comfort's water

Rocky Comfort ranks #151 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Rocky Comfort 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, Rocky Comfort may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Rocky Comfort, MO water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Rocky Comfort's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Rocky Comfort

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rocky Comfort's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rocky Comfort's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Rocky Comfort's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jun 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2021 E. COLI Open
Oct 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

McDonald County has experienced 6 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 Big Sugar Creek Near Powell.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4317
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4250
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3374

Where does Rocky Comfort's water come from?

Rocky Comfort's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Sugar Creek Near Powell (river).

What Rocky Comfort residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Rocky Comfort'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jun 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Violations by category
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Ground Water Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Aug 2021 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jun 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2025
Oct 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2008
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rocky Comfort

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rocky Comfort, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GEORGE'S PROCESSING INC OF MISSOURI
Food · GEORGE'S INC
CASSVILLE, MO65625
9.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jun 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

McDonald County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jun 2017
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4317
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4250
Jan 2016
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3374
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #779

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.9 ppb from 1999 (2.9 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Rocky Comfort compares by contaminant

Explore where Rocky Comfort ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,500
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Rocky Comfort's water comes from

Groundwater

Rocky Comfort'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Rocky Comfort

Rocky Comfort is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Big Sugar Creek Near Powell
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Rocky Comfort

System Name PWSID Population Source
MC DONALD COUNTY PWSD 2 MO5021113 1,500 GW
Regional Comparison

How Rocky Comfort compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Rocky Comfort's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Rocky Comfort (this city)
87.8
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Rocky Comfort, MO

Wikipedia →

Rocky Comfort is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in McDonald County, Missouri, United States, on Missouri Route 76. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 176.

Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Rocky Comfort, MO tap water safe to drink?

Rocky Comfort's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #151 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Rocky Comfort's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Rocky Comfort'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 Rocky Comfort?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Rocky Comfort's water come from?

Rocky Comfort's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.

What health violations has Rocky Comfort's water system had?

Rocky Comfort has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Rocky Comfort's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Rocky Comfort 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 4 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 Rocky Comfort's water compare to other cities?

Rocky Comfort ranks #151 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 70% of state cities) and #3829 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Rocky Comfort's small water system affect quality?

Rocky Comfort's system serves approximately 1,500 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 4 violations on record.