Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, MO water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
With about 76,780 residents, Saint Joseph ranks as the 9th-largest city in Missouri and a small but growing city. Water in Saint Joseph is sourced chiefly from Missouri River, Mississippi River, and Ozark aquifer, the backbone of Missouri's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: aging infrastructure. Major rivers provide ample supply; aging systems are the main vulnerability.
Statewide, Missouri recycles about 4% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, Saint Joseph faces abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions.
The Missouri state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving Saint Joseph's water future.
At a glance
- Population ~76,780 (9th-largest in Missouri)
- Primary sources: Missouri River, Mississippi River, and Ozark aquifer
- Drought: abnormally dry to moderate conditions
- State reuse rate: ~4% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Missouri in severe+ drought (Moderate (D1) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Saint Joseph?
Saint Joseph is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 26.2% of Missouri's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does Saint Joseph get its water?
Saint Joseph draws from the same regional sources that serve Missouri: Missouri River, Mississippi River, Ozark aquifer.
Related water issues
Aging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
ExploreAgricultural Demand
Agriculture accounts for the majority of consumptive water use in the West, making farm efficiency and water markets central to any supply solution.
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