Is Slater, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Slater, MO — Water Quality Report
Slater's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,718 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 24 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Slater's water
Slater ranks #243 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Slater 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.
As a small community water system, Slater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Slater, MO water safe to drink?
Slater's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,718 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Slater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Slater's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Slater'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
Slater's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Saline County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Slater's water come from?
Slater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,718 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Slater 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Slater'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 Slater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Slater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SLATER FABRIC FILTER-BHA GROUP INC SLATER, MO65349 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Saline County has experienced 7 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 Slater'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 Slater compares by contaminant
Explore where Slater ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Slater's water comes from
Slater'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 2,718 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Slater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLATER PWS | MO2010745 | 1,835 | GW |
| SALINE COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO2024556 | 883 | GWP |
How Slater compares
Full Missouri rankings →Slater's score of 84.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Slater, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Slater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Slater, MO tap water safe to drink?
Slater's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #243 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Slater's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Slater'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 Slater?
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 Slater's water come from?
Slater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,718 residents.
What health violations has Slater's water system had?
Slater has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Slater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Slater 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 24 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 Slater's water compare to other cities?
Slater ranks #243 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 52% of state cities) and #5976 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.