Is Rushville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
Rushville, MO — Water Quality Report
Rushville's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,115 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Rushville's water
Rushville ranks #92 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rushville 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, Rushville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rushville, MO water safe to drink?
Rushville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,115 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rushville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rushville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rushville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rushville's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Rushville's water come from?
Rushville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,115 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rushville 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.
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 Rushville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rushville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IATAN GENERATING STATION WESTON, MO64098 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 2 | 9.4 mi |
MGPI PROCESSING INC. ATCHISON, KS66002 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
PROGRESS RAIL- FASTENER DIV ATCHISON, KS66002 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
BRADKEN ATCHISON/ST JOSEPH ATCHISON, KS66002 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
WE MAC MANUFACTURING ATCHISON, KS66002 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rushville compares by contaminant
Explore where Rushville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rushville's water comes from
Rushville 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 Rushville'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 2,115 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rushville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCHANAN COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO1024064 | 2,115 | GWP |
How Rushville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Rushville's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Rushville, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rushville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buchanan
Frequently asked questions
Is Rushville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Rushville's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Rushville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Rushville'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 Rushville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rushville's water come from?
Rushville's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,115 residents.
Is Rushville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rushville 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 2 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 Rushville's water compare to other cities?
Rushville ranks #92 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 82% of state cities) and #2506 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rushville's small water system affect quality?
Rushville's system serves approximately 2,115 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 2 violations on record.