Is It Okay to Drink Tap Water in St. Louis?

Tap water is something most of us take for granted—until it starts affecting our health. Whether you’re filling a glass at the kitchen sink or making dinner for your family, you naturally assume the water flowing into your home is safe. But is that trust well-placed? Is it okay to drink tap water in St. Louis? That question may seem simple, but for those dealing with unexplained illnesses or ongoing health concerns, the answer can be deeply personal—and legally important.

In a city known for its vibrant neighborhoods and historic homes, aging infrastructure can quietly affect your quality of life, especially when it comes to something as essential as clean water.

At Burger Law , we understand how a basic household decision—trusting your tap—can sometimes lead to serious harm. Water quality can vary depending on location, plumbing, or even the time of year. If you’ve experienced health issues after drinking water at home, you may have legal options—and we’re here to help you explore them with clarity and care.

Is St. Louis Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, St. Louis water is considered safe to drink by city standards , according to the most recent 2024 Water Quality Report . The City of St. Louis Water Division operates two purification plants—the Howard Bend and Chain of Rocks facilities—sourcing water primarily from the Missouri River. Every day, these plants treat and distribute approximately 135 million gallons of potable water.

These treatment facilities rely on rigorous processes, including chlorination, sedimentation, and filtration. The city adheres to regulatory guidelines and frequently monitors water samples for safety compliance. Additional measures, such as real-time monitoring, multistage purification barriers, and backup disinfection methods, are in place to ensure that contaminants are kept at bay.

However, even with this level of diligence, trace contaminants may still be present in the municipal supply. For residents with compromised immune systems or specific health conditions, even low-level exposure can have real consequences. Factors like old plumbing, lead service lines, or inadequate home filtration systems can also affect what ultimately comes out of the tap.

Common Contaminants Found in St. Louis Tap Water

According to the City’s 2024 Water Quality Report , all drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants . A contaminant can be any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance in water. These substances may enter the water from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure such as corroded pipes and service lines. Importantly, the presence of contaminants does not necessarily mean the water poses a health risk—especially when treatment is effective and regulations are consistently enforced.

Some of the common contaminants include:

Giardia and Cryptosporidium

These are microscopic parasites from animal waste that may be found in all rivers and streams. When ingested, they can cause fever, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The city uses chlorine, softening, sedimentation, flocculation, and filtration to remove them. Previous monitoring showed no detectable levels in treated water from either purification plant.

Lead

Lead typically enters the water from corroded pipes in older infrastructure. It’s especially harmful to children and pregnant individuals, as it can lead to developmental delays, lower IQ, and behavioral issues. Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have lead service lines.

Chlorine Byproducts (Trihalomethanes)

These form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. Prolonged exposure has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as bladder and colon cancer, and may also contribute to reproductive issues.

Nitrates and Nitrites

Often stem from agricultural runoff and can pose serious health threats to infants, particularly a condition called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome,” which affects the ability of blood to carry oxygen.

Radium and other radioactive substances

Occasionally found in trace amounts, especially in areas with natural mineral deposits. While usually within legal limits, long-term exposure to even low levels may increase the risk of bone cancer and other radiation-related health concerns.

Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Tap Water Consumption

Even with city-level assurance, contaminated drinking water has been linked to a range of health conditions. Exposure to waterborne contaminants can lead to both acute and chronic illnesses. These consequences can impact a person’s quality of life, sometimes requiring months or even years of medical intervention to address the full extent of the damage.

Some of the most frequently reported symptoms and illnesses include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Skin rashes and allergic reactions
• Neurological disorders
• Developmental delays in children
• Long-term organ damage (e.g., liver, kidneys)

You can get sick from just one glass of contaminated water—or from slow, repeated exposure over time. Symptoms such as fatigue, stomach problems, or frequent infections are often misdiagnosed. Many families don’t realize their tap water could be the cause. If you’ve ever wondered whether drinking tap water in St. Louis is okay, your health concerns may be the answer—and you may have legal options.

Groups Most at Risk from Tap Water Contaminants

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of contaminated water than others due to age, health status, or existing medical conditions. Understanding who is most at risk can help families make safer choices and may also play a critical role in legal claims involving waterborne illnesses. When vulnerable individuals are exposed, the consequences can be more severe, long-lasting, and harder to diagnose—making early recognition and legal support even more important.

Those at higher risk include:

• Infants and young children : Their developing immune systems make them more susceptible to harmful bacteria and chemicals.
• Pregnant individuals : Exposure to certain contaminants can impact fetal development.
• Elderly adults : Weakened immunity can make it harder to fight off waterborne infections.
• Immunocompromised individuals : People undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV, or dealing with chronic illnesses may experience more severe reactions.
• People with kidney or liver conditions : These organs are essential in filtering toxins, and impaired function may heighten vulnerability.

What to Do If You’ve Consumed Contaminated Tap Water

If you suspect that your health issues are related to contaminated tap water, it’s important to take immediate action. Your steps now could protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Acting quickly can also support the legal process by preserving vital evidence and strengthening the potential link between your health condition and the suspected source.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Visit a healthcare provider : Get tested and document your symptoms. Let your doctor know you suspect water contamination.
• Stop using the tap for drinking and cooking : Switch to bottled or filtered water immediately.
• Keep a symptom journal : This can help establish a timeline linking your health issues to your water usage.
• Save water samples : If possible, collect a sample of your tap water in a clean, sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for future testing.
• Consult with a legal professional : Especially if multiple people in your household are experiencing similar symptoms or if your doctor confirms waterborne illness.

Is it possible to sue for drinking tap water?

Yes, under certain circumstances, you can sue for injuries caused by drinking contaminated tap water. These claims can stem from exposure to dangerous substances that should have been filtered out or disclosed. But these are complex cases, and success depends on several factors, including:

Proving Causation

You’ll need evidence that the water was contaminated and that it directly caused your health problems. This typically requires medical documentation, lab tests, or toxicology reports that can link specific symptoms or illnesses to known contaminants in the local water supply.

Identifying Responsibility

If the contamination was due to negligent water treatment, aging infrastructure, or improper monitoring, parties such as municipal agencies, private contractors, or landlords could be held liable. Identifying the source of negligence is a critical part of building a case, and this can involve reviewing public utility reports, inspection records, or past violations.

Demonstrating Harm

Documented medical issues, time off work, and quality-of-life reductions are all key to establishing damages. In addition to physical health impacts, courts may also consider emotional distress, lost income, and ongoing treatment costs when evaluating compensation claims.

In personal injury cases like these, time is a critical factor. Missouri law generally requires claims to be filed within a specific period, so early legal consultation is essential.

Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney

Harm caused by something as essential as your drinking water is more than just a personal burden—it may be a serious legal matter. At Burger Law , we hold negligent parties accountable and fight tirelessly to secure full compensation for our clients. Your suffering isn’t just unfortunate—it may be grounds for legal action. Everyone deserves access to safe, clean water and the peace of mind that comes with it. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it okay to drink tap water in St. Louis? ” and are now facing health concerns, you deserve answers and support.

Call us today at (314) 500-HURT for a free consultation. Whether your symptoms developed over time or you’ve just discovered a connection to contaminated water, we’re ready to fight for your rights—and your recovery.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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