C42/100
Macon Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 18,354 residents · Missouri
What's In Macon's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 592.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.007 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2015.
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
MACON PWS
Population Served
5,489
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MO2010487
MACON CO PWSD 1
Population Served
12,865
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MO2024363
Frequently Asked Questions About Macon Water
Is Macon tap water safe to drink?
Macon, Missouri tap water receives a grade of C (42/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Macon's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Macon's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Macon have any water quality violations?
Yes, Macon has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Macon?
Macon 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Macon's tap water come from?
Macon's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MACON PWS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 18,354 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Macon'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. Macon'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 Macon's water compare to other cities in Missouri?
Macon's water quality score of 42/100 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 Macon's water quality?
If you have concerns about Macon'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 (MACON 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.