Is Van Buren, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Van Buren, MO — Water Quality Report
Van Buren's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,119 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 65 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Van Buren's water
Van Buren ranks #341 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Van Buren 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, Van Buren may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Van Buren, MO water safe to drink?
Van Buren's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,119 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Van Buren
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Van Buren's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Van Buren's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Van Buren's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carter County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Current River At Van Buren, Big Spring Near Van Buren.
Where does Van Buren's water come from?
Van Buren's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,119 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Current River At Van Buren (river), Big Spring Near Van Buren (spring).
What Van Buren residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Van Buren'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.
Van Buren'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarter County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Carter County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Van Buren compares by contaminant
Explore where Van Buren ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Van Buren's water comes from
Van Buren'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 2,119 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Van Buren
Van Buren is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Van Buren
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN BUREN PWS | MO4010811 | 819 | GW |
| DEER RUN REORGANIZED COMMON SEWER DIST | MO4036194 | 700 | GWP |
| CARTER COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO4024108 | 600 | GW |
How Van Buren compares
Full Missouri rankings →Van Buren's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Van Buren, MO
Wikipedia →Van Buren is a city in and county seat of Carter County, Missouri, United States, that is the largest city in Carter County. Van Buren was founded in 1833 as the county seat of Ripley County and was named after then Vice President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. In 1859, Van Buren became a part of the newly created Carter County and was subsequently selected to be the county seat. The 2020 U.S. census showed Van Buren with a population of 747.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Van Buren's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carter
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Buren, MO tap water safe to drink?
Van Buren's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #341 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Van Buren's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Van Buren'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 Van Buren?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Van Buren's water come from?
Van Buren's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,119 residents.
What health violations has Van Buren's water system had?
Van Buren has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Van Buren's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Van Buren 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 65 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 Van Buren's water compare to other cities?
Van Buren ranks #341 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 33% of state cities) and #8984 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.