Is Vandalia, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.1/100
waterverge.com Vandalia, MO — Water Quality Report
Vandalia's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,140 residents using 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 32 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vandalia's water
Vandalia ranks #114 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it above 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, Vandalia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vandalia, MO water safe to drink?
Vandalia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,140 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Vandalia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vandalia's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vandalia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Vandalia's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Audrain County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Vandalia's water come from?
Vandalia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,140 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Vandalia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vandalia'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.
Vandalia'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 Vandalia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vandalia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING - LADDONIA LLC LADDONIA, MO63352 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
HARBISONWALKER INTERNATIONAL INC.- VANDALIA MO PLANT VANDALIA, MO63382 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Audrain County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Vandalia compares by contaminant
Explore where Vandalia ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vandalia's water comes from
Vandalia'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 3,140 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Vandalia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VANDALIA PWS | MO2010812 | 3,140 | SW |
How Vandalia compares
Full Missouri rankings →Vandalia's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Vandalia, MO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vandalia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Audrain
Frequently asked questions
Is Vandalia, MO tap water safe to drink?
Vandalia's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Vandalia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Vandalia'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 Vandalia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vandalia's water come from?
Vandalia's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,140 residents.
What health violations has Vandalia's water system had?
Vandalia has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Vandalia's water compare to other cities?
Vandalia ranks #114 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 78% of state cities) and #3020 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Vandalia's small water system affect quality?
Vandalia's system serves approximately 3,140 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 32 violations on record.