Our Approach

We take steps to reduce the potential for lead to leach from your pipes into the water. This is accomplished by adding a corrosion inhibitor to the water leaving our treatment facilities, where needed. Some source waters are non-aggressive by nature, meaning there is no need to add corrosion control treatment.

Watch the video to learn more about the water treatment process.

Service Line Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently finalized the first major update to the Lead and Copper Rule in nearly 30 years. The new rule strengthens every aspect of the Lead and Copper Rule to better protect children and communities from the risks of lead exposure. Under the new rule, water systems are required to identify service line material on both the Company and Customer side of the water service line. Missouri American Water has maintained good records of the service line material on the Company side of the service but historically did not maintain records of the Customer-owned portion of the service line.

You can find out the service line material through our customer service line material map. If your service line is recorded as unknown, you can self-report or have one of our professionals come and inspect it for you.

Lead Service Line Replacement Program

Missouri American Water is proactively working with our customers to replace both Company-owned and Customer-owned lead service lines. We have voluntarily pledged to replace all lead service lines in the communities we serve by 2030. This goes above and beyond current federal requirements to better protect our customers.

Lead service lines are typically found in homes that were built prior to 1930. Between 1930 and 1965, the plumbing industry transitioned away from lead and typically installed copper service lines. The company is targeting lead service line replacements in the communities that likely have lead/galvanized services.

If you think your service line may contain lead/galvanized, you can self-report or have one of our professionals come and inspect it for you. If the service is found to have lead/galvanized, the Company would like to work with you to replace the service line at no direct cost to you.

Results from Lead Sampling

The results from samples collected in your water system are included in your annual water quality report (also known as the Consumer Confidence Report) which can be found on our Water Quality Reports page.

Because service lines, faucet fixtures, household pipes, and/or solder can contribute significantly to the lead and copper levels in tap water, we ask our customers to collect samples in their homes. These samples are collected on a routine basis at homes that are considered vulnerable based on when they were constructed, and the materials used. Water systems are required to monitor (sample) periodically in accordance with the requirements of the EPA Lead and Copper Rule and use the results to confirm that our corrosion control strategy is operating as intended.

Water Quality Reports

Not Just Meeting Drinking Water Standards - Surpassing Them

Each year, Missouri American Water proudly presents our Annual Water Quality Report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). CCR's let consumers know what contaminants, if any, were detected in their drinking water as well as related potential health effects. CCRs also include details about where your water comes from and how it is treated. Additionally, they educate customers on what it takes to deliver safe drinking water and highlight the need to protect drinking water sources.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates about 100 potential contaminants and sets stringent standards for each one. Missouri American Water takes water quality so seriously that six of our water treatment plants have been nationally recognized with Directors Awards from the EPA’s Partnership for Safe Water program for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards.

Learn More

Customers can learn more at our More Resources Page.