Doniphan, MO: 2 Health Violations — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Doniphan's water quality grade in MO reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Doniphan Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Doniphan Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 7 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.88 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Doniphan
Structurally, Doniphan, MO's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 4 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Doniphan, Missouri, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 8,017 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Doniphan: C (60/100)
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
Doniphan water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63935 | C | 7 | 2 | Ripley County Pwsd 2 |
All ZIP Codes in Doniphan
- 63935 [C] — 7 violations ⚠
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.
Health Outcomes in Doniphan
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
Top Contaminants in Doniphan Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Doniphan
With 55% 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
Because the majority of Doniphan's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1987 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Doniphan 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Doniphan Homeowners
Given current Doniphan property values, the remediation-to-equity ratio falls in the elevated tier — deliberate financial planning is a meaningful factor in how homeowners approach the documented water and safety issues on record here.
At 2.8% of home value, remediation costs in Doniphan represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,950–$5,400. Home values here are 35% below the Missouri average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Doniphan
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.
Older stock in Doniphan represents 55% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Doniphan
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Doniphan falls in moderate-exposure territory — 244 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Doniphan has a moderate flood history with 244 FEMA claims averaging $52,730 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Doniphan
- 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. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Doniphan's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Doniphan, MO