Is Sparta, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Sparta, MO — Water Quality Report
Sparta's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,946 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.5 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 15 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sparta's water
Sparta ranks #258 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sparta 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, Sparta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sparta, MO water safe to drink?
Sparta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,946 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sparta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sparta's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sparta'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
Sparta's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Christian County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 James River Near Springfield.
Where does Sparta's water come from?
Sparta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,946 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include James River Near Springfield (river).
What Sparta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sparta'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.
Sparta'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 Sparta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sparta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRACKER OZARK OZARK, MO65721 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sparta
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- COMPASS PLAZA WELL TCE7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Christian County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sparta'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. | 6.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sparta compares by contaminant
Explore where Sparta ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sparta's water comes from
Sparta'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 1,946 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sparta
Sparta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sparta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPARTA PWS | MO5010752 | 1,946 | GW |
How Sparta compares
Full Missouri rankings →Sparta's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Sparta, MO
Wikipedia →Sparta is a city in north central Christian County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2020 census, Sparta had a population of 1,876. It is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sparta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Christian
Frequently asked questions
Is Sparta, MO tap water safe to drink?
Sparta's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #258 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Sparta's water?
Lead was measured at 6.5 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Sparta'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 Sparta?
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 Sparta's water come from?
Sparta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,946 residents.
What health violations has Sparta's water system had?
Sparta has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sparta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sparta 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 15 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 Sparta's water compare to other cities?
Sparta ranks #258 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 49% of state cities) and #6333 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sparta's small water system affect quality?
Sparta's system serves approximately 1,946 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 15 violations on record.