Is Rosendale, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.9/100
waterverge.com Rosendale, MO — Water Quality Report
Rosendale's drinking water received a grade of C (63.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 60 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rosendale's water
Rosendale ranks #432 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rosendale purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Rosendale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rosendale, MO water safe to drink?
Rosendale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 742 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rosendale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rosendale's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rosendale'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
Rosendale's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Andrew County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 One Hundred Two River Near Bolckow.
Where does Rosendale's water come from?
Rosendale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 742 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include One Hundred Two River Near Bolckow (river).
What Rosendale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rosendale'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.
Rosendale'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
Andrew County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rosendale'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.480 mg/L (2025)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Rosendale compares by contaminant
Explore where Rosendale ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rosendale's water comes from
Rosendale purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Rosendale's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 742 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rosendale
Rosendale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rosendale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDREW COUNTY PWSD 4 | MO1024007 | 600 | GWP |
| ROSENDALE PWS | MO1010757 | 142 | GWP |
How Rosendale compares
Full Missouri rankings →Rosendale's score of 63.9/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Rosendale, MO
Wikipedia →Rosendale is a city in Benton Township, Andrew County, Missouri, United States. The population was 119 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rosendale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Andrew
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosendale, MO tap water safe to drink?
Rosendale's water quality earned a grade of C (63.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #432 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Rosendale's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Rosendale'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 Rosendale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rosendale's water come from?
Rosendale's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 742 residents.
What health violations has Rosendale's water system had?
Rosendale has 17 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rosendale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rosendale 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 60 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 Rosendale's water compare to other cities?
Rosendale ranks #432 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 15% of state cities) and #11712 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.