C48/100
Memphis Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,182 residents · Missouri
What's In Memphis's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
MEMPHIS PWS
Population Served
1,822
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MO2010513
SCOTLAND COUNTY CONS PWSD 1
Population Served
3,360
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MO2024565
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Water
Is Memphis tap water safe to drink?
Memphis, Missouri tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), 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 Memphis's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Memphis'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 Memphis have any water quality violations?
Yes, Memphis has 39 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Memphis?
Memphis 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 Memphis's tap water come from?
Memphis's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MEMPHIS PWS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 5,182 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Memphis'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. Memphis'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 Memphis's water compare to other cities in Missouri?
Memphis's water quality score of 48/100 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 Memphis's water quality?
If you have concerns about Memphis'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 (MEMPHIS 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.