Is Steelville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Steelville, MO — Water Quality Report
Steelville's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,525 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 15 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Steelville's water
Steelville ranks #130 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Steelville 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, Steelville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Steelville, MO water safe to drink?
Steelville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,525 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Steelville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Steelville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: 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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Steelville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Steelville's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 6 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 Meramec River At Cook Station, Meramec River Near Steelville.
Where does Steelville's water come from?
Steelville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,525 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Meramec River At Cook Station (river), Meramec River Near Steelville (river).
What Steelville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Steelville'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.
Steelville'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 Steelville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Steelville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WIELAND THERMAL SOLUTIONS CUBA, MO65453 | Copper | 3 | 6.4 mi |
OZARK MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGIES LLC DBA LMI AEROSPACE CUBA, MO65453 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
MAR-BAL INC. CUBA, MO65453 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
ASPEQ HEATING GROUP - CUBA CUBA, MO65453 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Crawford County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Steelville compares by contaminant
Explore where Steelville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Steelville's water comes from
Steelville'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 1,525 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Steelville
Steelville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Steelville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEELVILLE PWS | MO6010759 | 1,435 | GW |
| STEELVILLE SENIOR LIVING FACILITY | MO4066378 | 90 | GWP |
How Steelville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Steelville's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Steelville, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Steelville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Steelville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Steelville's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Steelville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Steelville'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 Steelville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Steelville's water come from?
Steelville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,525 residents.
What health violations has Steelville's water system had?
Steelville has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Steelville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Steelville 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 Steelville's water compare to other cities?
Steelville ranks #130 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 74% of state cities) and #3470 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.