Is Smithton, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Smithton ranks. What to do next ↓
96.7/100
waterverge.com Smithton, MO — Water Quality Report
Smithton's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Smithton's water
Smithton ranks #5 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Smithton 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, Smithton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Smithton, MO water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Smithton's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 563 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Smithton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smithton's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.7/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Smithton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Smithton's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Shoal Creek Above Joplin.
Where does Smithton's water come from?
Smithton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 563 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shoal Creek Above Joplin (river).
What Smithton 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.
Smithton'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 Smithton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smithton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 109 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR STEEL SEDALIA LLC SEDALIA, MO65301 | Manganese compounds | 109 | 7.6 mi |
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES & SERVICES LLC SEDALIA, MO65301 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
DELONG'S INC SEDALIA, MO65301 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
MAXION WHEELS SEDALIA LLC SEDALIA, MO65301 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
MISSOURI PRESSED METALS INC SEDALIA, MO65301 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Smithton compares by contaminant
Explore where Smithton ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smithton's water comes from
Smithton'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 563 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Smithton
Smithton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Smithton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN SMITHTON | MO3010746 | 563 | GW |
How Smithton compares
Full Missouri rankings →Smithton's score of 96.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Smithton, MO
Wikipedia →Joplin is a city in Jasper and Newton counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Most of the city lies in Jasper County, with the southern portion extending into Newton County. With a population of 51,762 at the 2020 census, Joplin is the 12th most-populous city in the state. The city covers an area of 38.21 square miles (99.0 km2) on the outer edge of the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri. Joplin is the principal city of the three-county Joplin metropolitan area, which is home to 210,077 people and is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Missouri. In May 2011, a violent EF5 tornado killed more than 150 people and destroyed one-third of the city.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smithton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pettis
Frequently asked questions
Is Smithton, MO tap water safe to drink?
Smithton's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Smithton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Smithton'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 Smithton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smithton's water come from?
Smithton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 563 residents.
What health violations has Smithton's water system had?
Smithton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Smithton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Smithton 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 4 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 Smithton's water compare to other cities?
Smithton ranks #5 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 99% of state cities) and #166 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Smithton's small water system affect quality?
Smithton's system serves approximately 563 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 4 violations on record.