A81/100
CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 126,254 people · Missouri
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
MO3010181
Violations
4
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – June 20, 2023Rule: Ground Water 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
Frequently Asked Questions About CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES
Is CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES water safe to drink?
CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES water receives a grade of A (81/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 73 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES detected?
73 contaminants were tested in CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES have any EPA violations?
Yes, CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES has 4 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, MCL. 3 are health-based violations.
How many people does CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES serve?
CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES serves approximately 126,254 people, Missouri.
What type of water does CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES provide?
CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is MO3010181.
How does CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES compare to other utilities in Missouri?
CITY OF COLUMBIA UTILITIES scores 81/100 with a grade of A (excellent). This places it among the higher-performing utilities in the state. Visit our Missouri state page for a full comparison of water systems.