Is Cape Girardeau, MO tap water safe?
Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it
Summary
No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Cape Girardeau Public Water System. 1 PFAS were detected below the limits.
4 public water systems serve parts of Cape Girardeau. The largest, Cape Girardeau Public Water System, serves 39,941 people. Your water bill names your system.
Largest system
Cape Girardeau Public Water System
39,941 people · Groundwater · EPA ID MO4010136
Buys treated water from Jackson Public Water System.
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFOS Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.
Lead: 3.57 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 1
Across Missouri, 6 of 227 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 3 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Missouri results.
Cape Girardeau homes and lead pipes
Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.
Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Cape Girardeau city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
Other water systems serving Cape Girardeau
- Cape Girardeau County Public Water Supply District 22,913 people · Groundwater · Missouri · lists this cityNot in EPA's PFAS sample
- Cape Girardeau County Public Water Supply District 5485 people · Groundwater · Missouri · lists this cityNot in EPA's PFAS sample
- Parkwood Estates LLC350 people · Groundwater · Missouri · lists this cityNot in EPA's PFAS sample
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis 99 mi St Louis City Public Water System | None above limits | 1.8 ppb |
| Kirkwood 100 mi Missouri American Water – St Louis St Charles Counties | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| University City 103 mi Missouri American Water – St Louis St Charles Counties | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Ballwin 104 mi Missouri American Water – St Louis St Charles Counties | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Wildwood 107 mi Missouri American Water – St Louis St Charles Counties | None above limits | 0 ppb |
| Chesterfield 109 mi Missouri American Water – St Louis St Charles Counties | None above limits | 0 ppb |
Cape Girardeau ZIP codes (2)
- 63701
- 63703
Questions
Is Cape Girardeau tap water safe to drink?
Cape Girardeau Public Water System had 1 health-based violation since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.
Who supplies water in Cape Girardeau, MO?
4 public water systems serve parts of Cape Girardeau. The largest is Cape Girardeau Public Water System (39,941 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.
Does Cape Girardeau tap water have PFAS?
Cape Girardeau Public Water System had 1 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.
Do Cape Girardeau homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 60% of Cape Girardeau homes as built before 1980 (Missouri: 53%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Cape Girardeau Public Water System's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.
Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.