Is Waverly, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Waverly, MO — Water Quality Report
Waverly's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.7 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 23 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waverly's water
Waverly ranks #329 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Waverly purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Waverly may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waverly, MO water safe to drink?
Waverly's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waverly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waverly's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4012). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3325). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waverly's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waverly's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lafayette County has experienced 8 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 Waverly, Wakenda Creek At Carrollton.
Where does Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 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 Waverly (river), Wakenda Creek At Carrollton (river).
What Waverly residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waverly'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Waverly'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 Waverly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waverly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MID-MISSOURI ENERGY LLC MALTA BEND, MO65339 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lafayette County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 4.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waverly compares by contaminant
Explore where Waverly ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waverly's water comes from
Waverly 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 Waverly'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Waverly
Waverly is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waverly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAVERLY PWS | MO1010839 | 800 | GWP |
How Waverly compares
Full Missouri rankings →Waverly's score of 79/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Waverly, MO
Wikipedia →Waverly is a city in Lafayette County, Missouri, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area within the United States. As of the 2020 census, Waverly had a population of 784.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waverly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lafayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Waverly, MO tap water safe to drink?
Waverly's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #329 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Waverly's water?
Lead was measured at 4.7 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Waverly'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 Waverly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waverly's water come from?
Waverly's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Waverly's water system had?
Waverly has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waverly's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waverly 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 23 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 Waverly's water compare to other cities?
Waverly ranks #329 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 35% of state cities) and #8445 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Waverly's small water system affect quality?
Waverly's system serves approximately 800 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 23 violations on record.