Water Quality

Water is vital to our health. The Missouri Environmental Public Health Tracking program works closely with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and other organizations to ensure there is clean water for drinking, recreation, tourism and continued economic growth.

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Drinking Water

Data Queries

Public drinking water in Missouri is routinely tested for chemicals and bacteria.

DHSS recommends that individuals test their private drinking well water at least once each year and anytime the well is serviced or the water changes in look, smell or taste. Learn more about private well testing from the DHSS Private Drinking Water Program.

test your private drinking water well

Fish Consumption

fish advisory guide

Catching and eating Missouri fish is a healthy activity and provides a protein source. The DHSS and the Missouri Department of Conservation routinely test fish statewide for contaminants. DHSS interprets the test results, issues advisories, and publishes fish consumption recommendations for the Missouri Fish Advisory.

Algal Blooms

Algal blooms can sometimes be found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in Missouri. Blooms can be caused by simple organisms called algae or cyanobacteria (also described as blue-green algae). Not all blooms are harmful, but some blooms can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick soon after being in the water where there’s a bloom. Drinking water containing blooms or eating fish or shellfish from a waterbody with a bloom might also be harmful.

Harmful blooms can affect people, animals and the environment by:

  • Making toxins (poisons)
  • Making the water too dense
  • Using up all the oxygen in the water
  • Releasing harmful gases as the decay

People and animals can become sick, or even die, depending on the type of bloom, the amount of toxins and the length of time they’ve been in water with a bloom.

  • when in doubt report and stay out
  • when in doubt, report and stay out - call 911
  • symptoms to watch for
  • animal health - protect pets and livestock
  • animal health - monitor for signs of poisoning

Many types of algal blooms are toxic, and they can look very different depending on the algae causing the bloom. You can’t tell by looks alone if they are toxic. So, it is best to avoid blooms in lakes, ponds, and streams.

  • harmful algal blooms can be neurotoxic
  • blooms can come in many colors and textures
  • report a bloom to the HAB Response Team
  • harmful algal bloom reports map

If you spot a potential algal bloom in a lake, pond, or stream, use this reporting form to share your siting with the Missouri HAB Response Team. The HAB Response Team has staff from multiple agencies in Missouri who will investigate the bloom. As they investigate any submitted reports, updates will be made to the Harmful Algal Bloom Reports Map.

Learn more so that if you do come across a potential bloom, you will know how to keep yourself, friends, family and animals safe.

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Additional Resources

Whether you are taking advantage of one of Missouri’s wonderful natural bodies of water or enjoying a day at a pool, spa, or water park, you can stay safe and healthy by following the recommendations provided in our ‘Swim Safe, Stay Healthy’, ‘Healthy Swimming’, and ‘Blue-Green Algae’ brochures.