Water Quality in Essex, MO: 15 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 92/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Essex's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Available EPA records for Essex, MO: 15 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Essex
Water quality varies across Essex's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63846 | A | 92 | 15 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Essex.
Water Quality Overview
Essex, Missouri receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 92 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Essex have accumulated 15 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,322 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Essex's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Essex water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Essex has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Essex
Essex is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,322 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Essex. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Essex
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Essex Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Essex's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Essex:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Essex. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-14 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-22.
Essex vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Essex's water quality compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex | A | 15 | 3 | 1,322 |
| Dawn | B | 1 | 1 | 1,320 |
| Ludlow | B | 1 | 1 | 1,320 |
| Utica | D | 0 | 1 | 1,320 |
Common Questions About Essex Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Essex, Missouri:
Is Essex water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Essex's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Essex tap water? Essex's water receives a grade of A (92/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Essex? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Essex vs. Missouri Average
Understanding how Essex compares to the broader Missouri average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Essex.
ZIP Codes in Essex
Essex spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 63846. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.