Is Watson, 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 Watson, MO — Water Quality Report
Watson's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watson's water
Watson ranks #47 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Watson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Watson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watson, MO water safe to drink?
Watson'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 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Watson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watson's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4435). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Watson's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Watson's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Atchison County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Missouri River At Brownville, Tarkio River At Fairfax.
Where does Watson's water come from?
Watson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At Brownville (river), Tarkio River At Fairfax (river).
What Watson 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Watson'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 Watson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 37,259 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MANILDRA MILLING CO HAMBURG, IA51640 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 37,259 | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Atchison County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Watson'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watson compares by contaminant
Explore where Watson ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watson's water comes from
Watson purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Watson's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Watson
Watson is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Watson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATCHISON COUNTY PWSD 1 | MO1024009 | 700 | GWP |
How Watson compares
Full Missouri rankings →Watson'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 Watson, MO
Wikipedia →Rock Port is a city in and the county seat of Atchison County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,278 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Atchison
Frequently asked questions
Is Watson, MO tap water safe to drink?
Watson'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 #47 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Watson's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Watson'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 Watson?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watson's water come from?
Watson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Watson's water system had?
Watson has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Watson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Watson 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 12 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 Watson's water compare to other cities?
Watson ranks #47 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 91% of state cities) and #1431 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 Watson's small water system affect quality?
Watson's system serves approximately 700 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 12 violations on record.