Is Senath, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.9/100
waterverge.com Senath, MO — Water Quality Report
Senath's drinking water received a grade of D (46.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,667 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 70 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Senath's water
Senath ranks #486 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Senath 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Senath, MO water safe to drink?
Senath's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,667 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Senath
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Senath's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Senath's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Senath's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dunklin County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Senath's water come from?
Senath's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,667 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Senath residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Senath'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Senath'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDunklin County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Flood & disaster history
Dunklin County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Senath'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Senath compares by contaminant
Explore where Senath ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Senath's water comes from
Senath'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 4,667 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Senath
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUNKLIN COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO4024207 | 2,900 | GW |
| SENATH PWS | MO4010732 | 1,767 | GW |
How Senath compares
Full Missouri rankings →Senath's score of 46.9/100 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 →About Senath, MO
Wikipedia →Senath is a city in Dunklin County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,593 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Senath's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dunklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Senath, MO tap water safe to drink?
Senath's water quality earned a grade of D (46.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #486 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Senath's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Senath'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 Senath?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Senath's water come from?
Senath's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,667 residents.
What health violations has Senath's water system had?
Senath has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Senath's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Senath 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 70 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 Senath's water compare to other cities?
Senath ranks #486 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 5% of state cities) and #13817 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.