Water Quality in Springfield, MO: 416 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 86/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Springfield's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Springfield, MO log 416 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality Map: Springfield, MO
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Springfield
Water quality varies across Springfield's 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65802 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65804 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65806 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65807 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65809 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65810 | B | 70 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65801 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65808 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65814 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65817 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65890 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65897 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65898 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65899 | B | 73 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
| 65803 | B | 75 | 26 | 2 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Springfield, Missouri receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 86 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Springfield have accumulated 416 EPA violations, including 32 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 16 ZIP codes serving approximately 211,934 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Springfield's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Springfield water systems is 0.0051 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Springfield 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 Springfield
Springfield is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 211,934 people across 16 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 160 enforcement actions against water systems serving Springfield. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Springfield
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 Springfield Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Springfield's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 96 | 16 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 80 | 16 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 32 | 16 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 32 | 16 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 32 | 16 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Springfield. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-09-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-24 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-04-15.
Springfield vs. Nearby Missouri Cities
How Springfield's water quality compares to similar cities in Missouri:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | A | 416 | 5 | 211,934 |
| Columbia | B | 11 | 5 | 206,439 |
| O Fallon | C | 12 | 5 | 139,544 |
| Harrisburg | D | 0 | 1 | 126,254 |
Recommended Water Filters for Springfield
Based on contaminants detected in Springfield's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead, Copper
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Springfield
Water quality varies across Springfield's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65802 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65804 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65806 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65807 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65809 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65810 | 70 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65801 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65808 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65814 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65817 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65805 | 75 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65803 | 75 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65899 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65898 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
| 65897 | 73 | B | 26 | 2 |
Common Questions About Springfield Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Springfield, Missouri:
Is Springfield water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Springfield's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Springfield tap water? Springfield's water receives a grade of A (86/100). There are 32 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Springfield? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Springfield vs. Missouri Average
Understanding how Springfield 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 Springfield.
ZIP Codes in Springfield
Springfield spans 16 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 65801. 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.