Saint Thomas, MO Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to top-scoring cities in MO, Saint Thomas lands in the middle tier — some water systems meet standards cleanly, others carry documented violations, and performance can vary significantly across service areas.
How Saint Thomas Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Thomas Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.47 — above typical levels.
Saint Thomas's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Saint Thomas, MO's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Thomas, Missouri (population ~622), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 15,318 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Thomas — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Thomas: C (63/100)
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
Saint Thomas water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Thomas
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65076 | C | Cole County Pwsd 2 | 13,107 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Thomas
- 65076 [C]
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.
Saint Thomas 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
Saint Thomas Infrastructure Age
With 70% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Saint Thomas — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1974 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Saint Thomas property values, the equity share lands in the moderate tier — a finding that positions the household financial perspective between routine maintenance and a significant budget commitment, where most homeowners can successfully address documented issues by treating the expense as a planned financial priority rather than an unexpected one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Saint Thomas. The estimated $1,200–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 5% above the Missouri average.
Saint Thomas: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 70% of Saint Thomas stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Saint Thomas: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP claim record for Saint Thomas — 1 filed incident — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Saint Thomas has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $21,588 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>$2,200</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 Saint Thomas
- 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 70% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Saint Thomas, MO