Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Missouri Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

% Over HRL

438.8 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

426

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Missouri: what the data shows

Missouri has 83 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 5 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 438.8 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Missouri

5 of 83 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Missouri

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Missouri

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Missouri cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Jackson	10300.0 µg/L	Over HRL	72	C+
2	Winfield	2280.0 µg/L	Over HRL	35	B-
3	O Fallon	1850.0 µg/L	Over HRL	10	F
4	Fulton	1610.0 µg/L	Over HRL	13	B+
5	Wright City	1560.0 µg/L	Over HRL	14	C
6	Hallsville	1340.1 µg/L	No	2	A
7	Saline	1300.0 µg/L	No	17	B+
8	Columbia	1280.0 µg/L	No	52	C
9	Dexter	1003.5 µg/L	No	3	A-
10	Mexico	860.7 µg/L	No	0	A-
11	Warrensburg	506.7 µg/L	No	0	B+
12	Holden	399.0 µg/L	No	8	A
13	St. Joseph	374.2 µg/L	No	1	A-
14	St. Joseph	374.2 µg/L	No	0	A-
15	St. Joseph	374.2 µg/L	No	0	A-
16	St. Joseph	374.2 µg/L	No	0	A-
17	St. Joseph	374.2 µg/L	No	0	A-
18	Jefferson City	372.0 µg/L	No	19	B+
19	Cape Girardeau	340.0 µg/L	No	127	D
20	New Bloomfield	339.9 µg/L	No	0	A-
21	Gladstone	320.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
22	Liberty	312.0 µg/L	No	8	C+
23	Clarkton	308.0 µg/L	No	10	B+
24	St. Louis	281.0 µg/L	No	28	F
25	St. Peters	269.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
26	Kearney	264.0 µg/L	No	3	B+
27	St. Charles	247.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
28	Wentzville	246.0 µg/L	No	9	A-
29	Sikeston	246.0 µg/L	No	5	B
30	Kansas City	244.0 µg/L	No	1	B
31	Raytown	244.0 µg/L	No	2	B+
32	Raymoor	244.0 µg/L	No	4	A
33	Belton	243.0 µg/L	No	5	B-
34	Grandview	242.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
35	Blue Springs	241.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
36	Excelsior Spgs.	237.0 µg/L	No	3	B+
37	Lees Summit	235.0 µg/L	No	1	B+
38	Sedalia	222.0 µg/L	No	60	F
39	Chesterfield	220.3 µg/L	No	11	B-
40	Parkville	209.7 µg/L	No	0	B+
41	Smithville	202.0 µg/L	No	16	A
42	Independence	201.0 µg/L	No	0	B
43	Higginsville	201.0 µg/L	No	17	B+
44	Grain Valley	198.0 µg/L	No	1	A
45	Kirkwood	196.0 µg/L	No	0	A+
46	Garden City	170.0 µg/L	No	77	B-
47	Republic	156.0 µg/L	No	5	A-
48	Charleston	141.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
49	Marshall	134.0 µg/L	No	33	B-
50	Kirksville	131.0 µg/L	No	15	A-
51	Battlefield	130.0 µg/L	No	11	A-
52	Moberly	126.0 µg/L	No	14	A-
53	Carthage	124.0 µg/L	No	21	D+
54	Hannibal	122.0 µg/L	No	34	C+
55	Macon	114.0 µg/L	No	11	A-
56	Brookfield	106.0 µg/L	No	20	A-
57	Joplin	101.9 µg/L	No	53	F
58	Aurora	100.0 µg/L	No	90	D
59	Pacific	97.0 µg/L	No	47	D
60	Beverly Hills	93.1 µg/L	No	4	B-
61	Beverly Hills	93.1 µg/L	No	3	B+
62	Washington	86.5 µg/L	No	31	C+
63	Kennett	83.9 µg/L	No	1	B
64	Barnhart	78.4 µg/L	No	1	A-
65	Lebanon	68.5 µg/L	No	16	B
66	Springfield	68.1 µg/L	No	59	F
67	Farmington	67.0 µg/L	No	251	D
68	Nixa	65.2 µg/L	No	33	C
69	Beufort	64.0 µg/L	No	4	A
70	Ozark	62.5 µg/L	No	65	F
71	Neosho	59.8 µg/L	No	21	C-
72	Rolla	54.0 µg/L	No	32	D
73	Branson	45.0 µg/L	No	70	D
74	Des Peres	44.1 µg/L	No	2149	F
75	West Plains	43.1 µg/L	No	15	B+
76	High Ridge	41.2 µg/L	No	15	B-
77	High Ridge	41.2 µg/L	No	1	A
78	High Ridge	41.2 µg/L	No	1	A
79	Summersville	39.5 µg/L	No	6	B-
80	Arnold	39.3 µg/L	No	0	B
81	Fort Leonard Wood	37.8 µg/L	No	0	A+
82	Poplar Bluff	34.0 µg/L	No	47	C
83	Willow Springs	28.3 µg/L	No	1	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Missouri

Is strontium in Missouri tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 5 cities in Missouri exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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