D31/100
Bethany Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 7,032 residents · Missouri
What's In Bethany's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.43 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: November 4, 2024 – January 7, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: September 8, 2024 – July 10, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: June 10, 2024 – March 7, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence 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
BETHANY PWS
Population Served
3,292
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MO1010068
HARRISON COUNTY PWSD 2
Population Served
3,740
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MO1024242
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethany Water
Is Bethany tap water safe to drink?
Bethany, Missouri tap water receives a grade of D (31/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 35 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bethany's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Bethany's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Bethany have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bethany has 35 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 22 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bethany?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Bethany is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Bethany's tap water come from?
Bethany's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BETHANY PWS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 7,032 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bethany'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. Bethany'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 Bethany's water compare to other cities in Missouri?
Bethany's water quality score of 31/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Bethany's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bethany'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 (BETHANY 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.