Is Sweet Springs, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Sweet Springs, MO — Water Quality Report
Sweet Springs's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,412 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 38 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sweet Springs's water
Sweet Springs ranks #315 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Sweet Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sweet Springs, MO water safe to drink?
Sweet Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,412 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sweet Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sweet Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Sweet Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sweet Springs's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 13 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 Sweet Springs's water come from?
Sweet Springs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,412 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Sweet Springs 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.
Sweet Springs'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 Sweet Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sweet Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILBANK MANUFACTURING CONCORDIA, MO64020 | — | — | 8.1 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.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sweet Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Sweet Springs ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sweet Springs's water comes from
Sweet Springs's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,412 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sweet Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWEET SPRINGS PWS | MO2010780 | 1,412 | SWP |
How Sweet Springs compares
Full Missouri rankings →Sweet Springs's score of 80.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Sweet Springs, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sweet Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Sweet Springs, MO tap water safe to drink?
Sweet Springs's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #315 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Sweet Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Sweet Springs'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 Sweet Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sweet Springs's water come from?
Sweet Springs's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,412 residents.
What health violations has Sweet Springs's water system had?
Sweet Springs has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Sweet Springs's water compare to other cities?
Sweet Springs ranks #315 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 38% of state cities) and #8018 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sweet Springs's small water system affect quality?
Sweet Springs's system serves approximately 1,412 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 38 violations on record.