C50/100
Cape Girardeau Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 39,941 residents · Missouri
What's In Cape Girardeau's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 21, 2025 – June 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: February 21, 2025 – June 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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: April 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024Rule: 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
CAPE GIRARDEAU PWS
Population Served
39,941
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MO4010136
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Girardeau Water
Is Cape Girardeau tap water safe to drink?
Cape Girardeau, Missouri tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 39 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cape Girardeau's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Cape Girardeau'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 Cape Girardeau have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cape Girardeau has 39 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cape Girardeau?
Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau's tap water come from?
Cape Girardeau's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CAPE GIRARDEAU PWS. The system serves approximately 39,941 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cape Girardeau'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. Cape Girardeau'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 Cape Girardeau's water compare to other cities in Missouri?
Cape Girardeau's water quality score of 50/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Missouri state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cape Girardeau's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cape Girardeau'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 (CAPE GIRARDEAU 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.