TapSafetyReport
B70/100

St Louis Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 305,724 residents · Missouri

What's In St Louis's Tap Water?

76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

6

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: 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

NEIGHBORHOOD UTILITIES (TIMBER CREEK)
Population Served

1,015

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL2164279

ST LOUIS CITY PWS
Population Served

304,709

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

MO6010715

Frequently Asked Questions About St Louis Water

Is St Louis tap water safe to drink?

St Louis, Missouri tap water receives a grade of B (70/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in St Louis's water?

Of the 76 contaminants tested in St Louis'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 St Louis have any water quality violations?

Yes, St Louis has 34 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in St Louis?

St Louis 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 St Louis's tap water come from?

St Louis's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by NEIGHBORHOOD UTILITIES (TIMBER CREEK) and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 305,724 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is St Louis'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. St Louis'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 St Louis's water compare to other cities in Missouri?

St Louis's water quality score of 70/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Missouri state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about St Louis's water quality?

If you have concerns about St Louis'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 (NEIGHBORHOOD UTILITIES (TIMBER CREEK)) 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.

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