Is Missouri Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Water quality data for 15 cities across Missouri. Find your city below.

Water quality in Missouri varies significantly from city to city. Across 15 cities we track, hardness ranges from 140 PPM in Webster Groves to 299 PPM in Springfield, with a statewide average of 211 PPM. 15 of 15 cities have hard water above 120 PPM where a water softener provides measurable benefits.

1 Missouri cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Springfield (7.3 ppt). A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.

15
Cities
211
Avg Hardness (PPM)
299
Hardest City (PPM)

Complete Missouri Guide

Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.

Well Water in Missouri

Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.

Hardest Water Rankings

Missouri cities ranked by water hardness level.

City Treatment Guides

Sized recommendations based on each city's specific water data.

Kansas City

215 PPM 🧂 Best Softener

St. Charles

195 PPM 🧂 Best Softener

St. Louis

150 PPM 🧂 Best Softener

Chesterfield

150 PPM 🧂 Best Softener

Webster Groves

140 PPM 🧂 Best Softener

City Comparisons

Springfield vs Webster Groves

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Springfield vs Columbia North

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

Columbia North vs Joplin

Side-by-side water quality comparison.

More for Missouri

Moving to St. CharlesMoving to St. LouisMoving to ChesterfieldSoftener Cost in St. CharlesSoftener Cost in St. LouisSoftener Cost in Chesterfield

Missouri Cities by Water Hardness

CityHardness (PPM)LevelPFAS (ppt)Source
Springfield 299 Extremely Hard 7.3 Fellows Lake, McDaniel Lake
Columbia North 290 Extremely Hard 0 Missouri River
Joplin 270 Extremely Hard 0 Shoal Creek & Grand Falls
Columbia 251 Extremely Hard 0 Missouri River, McBaine wellfield
Jefferson City 230 Very Hard 7.2 Missouri River & Binder Lake
Kansas City 215 Very Hard 5.6 Missouri River
Lee's Summit 211 Very Hard 5.7 Lake Jacomo, Lake Longview
O'Fallon 200 Very Hard 9.5 Missouri River & wells
Lees Summit 200 Very Hard 5.7 Lake Jacomo + Little Blue River
St. Charles 195 Very Hard 5.05 Missouri River alluvial wells
Independence 186 Very Hard 0 Missouri River
Blue Springs 180 Very Hard 0 Little Blue River & wells
St. Louis 150 Hard 5.05 Missouri + Mississippi Rivers
Chesterfield 150 Hard 5.05 Missouri River
Webster Groves 140 Hard 5.05 Missouri River

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Water

Is Missouri tap water safe to drink?
Missouri tap water meets EPA legal standards in most cities. 1 cities have PFAS levels above the EPA health advisory of 4 ppt. The statewide average hardness of 211 PPM means most homes deal with hard water effects like scale buildup, though hardness is not a health concern. Check your specific city above for detailed data.
Do I need a water softener in Missouri?
Most Missouri cities would benefit from a water softener. The state average is 211 PPM, and 100% of cities exceed 120 PPM where softener benefits become measurable. A salt-based softener reduces scale damage, energy waste, and product use.
Which Missouri city has the hardest water?
Springfield has the hardest water in Missouri at 299 PPM (17.5 GPG). Columbia North is second at 290 PPM. See the full ranking.
What contaminants are in Missouri water?
The most common concerns across Missouri are hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium), and PFAS (forever chemicals) detected in 1 cities. Each city has different levels - check your city above for specific contaminant data.
How much does a water softener cost in Missouri?
A whole-house water softener for a typical Missouri home costs $800-$2,500 installed, depending on capacity and brand. At 211 PPM average hardness, most homes need a 32,000-48,000 grain system. Full cost breakdown.

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Guides

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Common Issues

Hard Water PFAS Lead Chlorine