Boone County, Missouri: drinking water report. Boone County in central Missouri has about 183,000 residents, including Columbia and the University of…
Boone County in central Missouri has about 183,000 residents, including Columbia and the University of Missouri. Columbia Water and Light draws from wells in the Missouri River alluvium and the McBaine water treatment plant. The county's blend of university town, agricultural hinterland, and expanding suburban development creates varied water quality conditions depending on where you live.
The Missouri River alluvial aquifer that supplies Columbia produces generally good water but is susceptible to flooding events that can introduce contamination. According to the Missouri DNR's 2024 source water assessment, the Columbia wellfield sits in the floodplain, and major flood events have historically caused temporary increases in turbidity and microbial indicators.
Atrazine from row crop agriculture in the county and upstream watershed is a persistent presence in Missouri surface water. A 2024 USGS study found atrazine in the Missouri River at Columbia at concentrations averaging 1.8 ppb during spring – below the MCL of 3 ppb but consistently detected. The EPA's UCMR5 data showed low-level PFAS in the Columbia water system.
Columbia's water supply is well-managed, but the alluvial source means spring flooding season and post-storm periods can temporarily affect raw water quality. Treatment handles these events, but household filtration adds a consistent baseline of protection.
Check your water for the latest results. A carbon filter addresses atrazine and disinfection byproducts effectively. For PFAS, add reverse osmosis at the drinking water tap. Our water filter guide covers both approaches. Pull your detailed report for seasonal patterns, and visit our Missouri page for statewide data.