Water Quality in Saint Joseph, MO: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 44/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Saint Joseph's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal compliance data for Saint Joseph, MO: no violations across 3 monitored systems.
Water Quality Map: Saint Joseph, MO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Joseph
Water quality varies across Saint Joseph's 8 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64504 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64505 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64508 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64501 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64503 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64506 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64507 | D | 45 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 64502 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Saint Joseph, Missouri receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 44 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 3 water systems serving Saint Joseph. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Saint Joseph's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Saint Joseph is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 79% of homes built before 1986, Saint Joseph 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.
Radon Risk
Saint Joseph is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 9,872 people across 8 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
How to Check Your Water in Saint Joseph
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
Saint Joseph vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Saint Joseph's water quality compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph | D | 0 | 3 | 9,872 |
| Holts Summit | B | 9 | 2 | 9,940 |
| Brookfield | B | 0 | 3 | 10,074 |
| Park Hills | C | 3 | 4 | 9,602 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saint Joseph
Water quality varies across Saint Joseph's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64504 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64505 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64508 | 40 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64501 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64503 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64506 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64507 | 45 | D | 0 | 0 |
| 64502 | 53 | D | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About Saint Joseph Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saint Joseph, Missouri:
Is Saint Joseph water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saint Joseph's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saint Joseph tap water? Saint Joseph's water receives a grade of D (44/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Saint Joseph? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saint Joseph vs. Missouri Average
Understanding how Saint Joseph 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 Saint Joseph.
ZIP Codes in Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph spans 8 ZIP codes. 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.