Is Viburnum, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.8/100
waterverge.com Viburnum, MO — Water Quality Report
Viburnum's drinking water received a grade of B (75.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 40 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Viburnum's water
Viburnum ranks #353 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Viburnum 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, Viburnum may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Viburnum, MO water safe to drink?
Viburnum's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Viburnum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Viburnum's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Viburnum's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Viburnum's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Iron County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Viburnum's water come from?
Viburnum's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Viburnum residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Viburnum'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.
Viburnum'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 Viburnum
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Viburnum, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 997 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUICK RESOURCE RECYCLING FACILITY LLC BOSS, MO65440 | Lead compounds | 888 | 6.6 mi |
BUICK MINE/MILL BOSS, MO65440 | Zinc compounds | 109 | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtIron County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Iron County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Viburnum's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 88.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 88.900 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Viburnum compares by contaminant
Explore where Viburnum ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Viburnum's water comes from
Viburnum'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 639 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Viburnum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIBURNUM PWS | MO4010821 | 639 | GW |
How Viburnum compares
Full Missouri rankings →Viburnum's score of 75.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Viburnum, MO
Wikipedia →Viburnum is a city in Iron County, Missouri, United States. The population was 667 at the 2020 census. The city is located in the New Lead Belt. The Mayor of Viburnum is Johnny Setzer.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Viburnum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Iron
Frequently asked questions
Is Viburnum, MO tap water safe to drink?
Viburnum's water quality earned a grade of B (75.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #353 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Viburnum's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Viburnum'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 Viburnum?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Viburnum's water come from?
Viburnum's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 639 residents.
What health violations has Viburnum's water system had?
Viburnum has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Viburnum's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Viburnum 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 40 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 Viburnum's water compare to other cities?
Viburnum ranks #353 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 31% of state cities) and #9491 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Viburnum's small water system affect quality?
Viburnum's system serves approximately 639 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 40 violations on record.