F7/100
Appleton City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,518 residents · Missouri
What's In Appleton City's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: September 16, 2025 – September 25, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Lead and Copper Rule
When: June 23, 2025 – July 18, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
APPLETON CITY PWS
Population Served
1,518
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MO5010020
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton City Water
Is Appleton City tap water safe to drink?
Appleton City, Missouri tap water receives a grade of F (7/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 46 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Appleton City's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Appleton City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Appleton City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Appleton City has 46 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MCL. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Appleton City?
Appleton City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Appleton City's tap water come from?
Appleton City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by APPLETON CITY PWS. The system serves approximately 1,518 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Appleton City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Appleton City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Appleton City's water compare to other cities in Missouri?
Appleton City's water quality score of 7/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Missouri state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Appleton City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Appleton City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (APPLETON CITY PWS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.