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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rocky Comfort, MO water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Rocky Comfort
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rocky Comfort's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rocky Comfort's water supply.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGE'S PROCESSING INC OF MISSOURI CASSVILLE, MO65625 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 Rocky Comfort compares by contaminant
Explore where Rocky Comfort ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rocky Comfort's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Rocky Comfort
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC DONALD COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO5021113 | 1,500 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rocky Comfort's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcdonald
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.