WaterVerge

Is Calhoun, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Calhoun ranks. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO1021117
Overall Score
92.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#39 of 509 in Missouri Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.8/100
waterverge.com
A 92.8/100

Calhoun, MO — Water Quality Report

Calhoun's drinking water received a grade of A (92.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,993 residents using purchased surface water.

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 7 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Calhoun's water

Calhoun ranks #39 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Calhoun may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Calhoun, MO water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Calhoun's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (92.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,993 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Calhoun

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calhoun's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Calhoun's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Calhoun's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2016 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2016 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2016 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2015 TTHM Resolved
Dec 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Henry County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3232
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-995
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-779

Where does Calhoun's water come from?

Calhoun's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,993 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Calhoun residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Calhoun'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
5
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jul 2016
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
0 Active
5 Health-based
7 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
2
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2015
Dec 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2003
Jan 1995 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Calhoun

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Calhoun, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
PLZ CORP.
Petroleum · PLZ CORP
CLINTON, MO64735
9.7 mi
TRACKER MARINE CLINTON
Transportation Equipment · BASS PRO GROUP LLC
CLINTON, MO64735
9.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Henry County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1986. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #779

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 1998 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,993
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Calhoun's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Calhoun'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 2,993 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Calhoun

System Name PWSID Population Source
HENRY COUNTY PWSD 3 MO1021117 2,993 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Calhoun compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Calhoun's score of 92.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Calhoun (this city)
92.8
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Calhoun, MO

Wikipedia →

Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Henry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,174 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$95,804
Median Income
0%
Unemployment
Community
63.2
Median Age
28
People / sq mi
20%
College Educated
80%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Calhoun, MO tap water safe to drink?

Calhoun's water quality earned a grade of A (92.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Calhoun's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Calhoun'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 Calhoun?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Calhoun's water come from?

Calhoun's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,993 residents.

What health violations has Calhoun's water system had?

Calhoun has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

How does Calhoun's water compare to other cities?

Calhoun ranks #39 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 92% of state cities) and #1109 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Calhoun's small water system affect quality?

Calhoun's system serves approximately 2,993 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 7 violations on record.