Is Salome, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 49 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Salome, MO — Water Quality Report
Salome's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,146 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 389 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salome's water
Salome ranks #464 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Salome 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, Salome may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salome, MO water safe to drink?
Salome's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,146 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salome
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salome's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salome's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salome's water system has 389 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 49 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Salome's water come from?
Salome's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,146 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Salome residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salome'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLa Paz County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
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 Salome compares by contaminant
Explore where Salome ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salome's water comes from
Salome'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,146 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Salome
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS HARRISBURG UTILITY COMPANY | AZ0415029 | 1,759 | GW |
| SALOME WATER COMPANY | AZ0415021 | 317 | GW |
| DESERT SKY DWID | AZ0415122 | 70 | GW |
How Salome compares
Full Missouri rankings →Salome's score of 50/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salome's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across La Paz
Frequently asked questions
Is Salome, MO tap water safe to drink?
Salome's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #464 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Salome's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 389 violations are on record.
How is Salome'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 Salome?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salome's water come from?
Salome's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,146 residents.
What health violations has Salome's water system had?
Salome has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 49 violations remain unresolved.
Is Salome's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salome 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 389 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 Salome's water compare to other cities?
Salome ranks #464 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 9% of state cities) and #13117 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.