Is Wardsville, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92/100
waterverge.com Wardsville, MO — Water Quality Report
Wardsville's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 20 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wardsville's water
Wardsville ranks #45 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Wardsville 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, Wardsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wardsville, MO water safe to drink?
Wardsville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,506 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wardsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wardsville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wardsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wardsville's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Wardsville's water come from?
Wardsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,506 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dardenne Creek At O'Fallon (river), Dardenne Creek At Old Town St. Peters (river), Bonhomme Creek Near Ellisville (river), Bonhomme Creek Near Clarkson Valley (river), Caulks Creek At Chesterfield (river).
What Wardsville 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.
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 Wardsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wardsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO JEFFERSON CITY, MO65109 | Copper | 2 | 7.3 mi |
DELONG'S INC JEFFERSON CITY, MO65109 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
HITACHI ENERGY USA INC. JEFFERSON CITY, MO65101 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
UNILEVER MANUFACTURING (US) INC. JEFFERSON CITY, MO65109 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
PHILLIPS 66 JEFFERSON CITY TERMINAL JEFFERSON CITY, MO65109 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wardsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Wardsville ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wardsville's water comes from
Wardsville'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,506 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wardsville
Wardsville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wardsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN WARDSVILLE | MO3010831 | 1,506 | GW |
How Wardsville compares
Full Missouri rankings →Wardsville's score of 92/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Wardsville, MO
Wikipedia →Cottleville is a city in St. Charles County, Missouri, United States. The population was 5,611 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wardsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cole
Frequently asked questions
Is Wardsville, MO tap water safe to drink?
Wardsville's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Wardsville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Wardsville'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 Wardsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wardsville's water come from?
Wardsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,506 residents.
What health violations has Wardsville's water system had?
Wardsville has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wardsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wardsville 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 20 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 Wardsville's water compare to other cities?
Wardsville ranks #45 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 91% of state cities) and #1415 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wardsville's small water system affect quality?
Wardsville's system serves approximately 1,506 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 20 violations on record.