Bethel, MO Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're researching Bethel, MO tap water quality, the baseline finding is below average — health-based violations are documented in several service areas, and verifying the specific system at your address is the right next step.
How Bethel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Bethel Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 58% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.38 — above typical levels.
Bethel's Water Providers
For most households in Bethel, MO, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bethel, Missouri (population ~761), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,300 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bethel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bethel: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bethel water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bethel
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63434 | D | SHELBY COUNTY PWSD 1 | 3,300 |
All ZIP Codes in Bethel
- 63434 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Bethel Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Bethel Infrastructure Age
With 58% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Bethel is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1976 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Bethel were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Bethel
Remediation costs in Bethel are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Bethel are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 45% below the Missouri average.
Bethel: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If 58% of the Bethel inventory comes from before the federal ban on lead-bearing solder — and if utility samples sit at or near 0.015 mg/L — the gap between citywide averages and one specific faucet becomes a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. That is why one-home reads exist as a separate measurement. A certified filter through retailer networks addresses confirmed exposure where it appears in a household.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Bethel
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 58% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bethel, MO