Water Quality: Essex, MO
3 water systems • 1,322 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Essex is served by 3 public water systems with a combined service population of 1,322 people, and has 55 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 14 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Essex's violation count is 44% above the national average for Missouri. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, E. coli, Gross Alpha.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Alpha-emitting radioactive particles increase cancer risk, particularly from bone and other internal cancers.
Common source: Natural uranium and radium in geological formations
EPA limit: 15 pCi/L (excluding radon and uranium)
Water Systems Serving Essex
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STODDARD COUNTY PWSD 7 | MO4021592 | Groundwater | 500 | 1 |
| STODDARD COUNTY PWSD 3 | MO4024583 | Groundwater | 423 | 22 |
| ESSEX PWS | MO4010255 | Groundwater | 399 | 32 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Missouri
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.