Is Warsaw, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Warsaw, MO — Water Quality Report
Warsaw's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 4,748 residents using groundwater.
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 456 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 178 remain unresolved.
What to know about Warsaw's water
Warsaw ranks #500 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Warsaw 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.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warsaw, MO water safe to drink?
Warsaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 16 water systems serve approximately 4,748 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Warsaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warsaw's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Warsaw'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
Warsaw's water system has 456 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 178 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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. Local water sources include Harry S. Truman Dam And Res. At Warsaw, Osage River At Warsaw.
Where does Warsaw's water come from?
Warsaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 16 water systems serving approximately 4,748 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Harry S. Truman Dam And Res. At Warsaw (lake), Osage River At Warsaw (river).
What Warsaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warsaw'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.
Warsaw'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
Flood & disaster history
Benton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Warsaw'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.91 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.909 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Warsaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Warsaw ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warsaw's water comes from
Warsaw'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 4,748 people through 16 water systems.
Water bodies near Warsaw
Warsaw is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Warsaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WARSAW PWS | MO3010835 | 2,236 | GW |
| STERETT CREEK VILLAGE | MO3252288 | 505 | GW |
| WINEGARS TEAL BEND SUBD | MO3036121 | 400 | GW |
| SYCAMORE VALLEY SUBD | MO3036127 | 245 | GW |
| KEITHLEY BEACH SUBD | MO3036166 | 240 | GW |
| BLUE BRANCH IMPROVEMENT ASSN INC | MO3036123 | 200 | GW |
| BRADEN PARK VILLAGE | MO3041351 | 153 | GWP |
| COLE TURKEY ACRES | MO3036260 | 150 | GW |
| OAK RIDGE ACRES | MO1031536 | 120 | GW |
| LAKE RIDGE BAY | MO3031364 | 120 | GW |
| CEDAR GATE ESTATES | MO1031517 | 102 | GW |
| SOUTHVIEW RV PARK | MO1041487 | 100 | GW |
| HIDDEN VALLEY MHP LLC | MO3262156 | 60 | GW |
| COUNTRY LAKES RV RESORT | MO3242566 | 46 | GW |
| TWIN LAKES MOBILE HOME AND RV PARK LLC | MO1041486 | 45 | GW |
| DOCS RETREAT UNIT 1 | MO3031321 | 26 | GW |
How Warsaw compares
Full Missouri rankings →Warsaw's score of 43/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Warsaw, MO
Wikipedia →Warsaw is a city in and the county seat of Benton County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,209 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warsaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Warsaw, MO tap water safe to drink?
Warsaw's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #500 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Warsaw's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 456 violations are on record.
How is Warsaw'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 Warsaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Warsaw's water come from?
Warsaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 16 water systems serving approximately 4,748 residents.
What health violations has Warsaw's water system had?
Warsaw has 60 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 178 violations remain unresolved.
Is Warsaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Warsaw 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 456 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 Warsaw's water compare to other cities?
Warsaw ranks #500 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 2% of state cities) and #14669 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.