WaterVerge

Is Andale, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

938 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KS2017342
Overall Score
76.5 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#201 of 323 in Kansas Top 59% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
76.5/100
waterverge.com
B 76.5/100

Andale, KS — Water Quality Report

Andale's drinking water received a grade of B (76.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 938 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 9.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Andale's water

Andale ranks #201 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Andale relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Andale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
76.5 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 9.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Andale, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Andale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 938 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
9.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Andale

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Andale's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1000). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Andale's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 9.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Andale's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2012 Nitrate Resolved
May 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
May 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Cowskin C, Calfskin C.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1000
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

Where does Andale's water come from?

Andale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 938 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cowskin C (river), Calfskin C (river).

What Andale residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Andale's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Andale's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
9.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 62% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

8
Total violations
3
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jan 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

8 Total
5 Active
3 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1999 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2012 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2012
May 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2008
May 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2008
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Andale

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Andale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ICM INC
Fabricated Metals · NA
COLWICH, KS67030
5.0 mi
CARDINAL COLWICH LLC
Chemicals · THE ANDERSONS INC
COLWICH, KS67030
5.3 mi
WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS KANSAS LLC
Fabricated Metals · WORTHINGTON ENTERPRISES INC
MAIZE, KS67101
8.0 mi
KYODO YUSHI USA INC.
Petroleum · NA
MAIZE, KS67101
7.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Sedgwick County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

12.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1000
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378
Jun 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #201

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Andale's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 9.3 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 9.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 5.8 ppb from 2007 (3.5 ppb) to 2024 (9.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
938
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Andale's water comes from

Groundwater

Andale's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 938 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Andale

Andale is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Cowskin C
river
Calfskin C
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Andale

System Name PWSID Population Source
ANDALE, CITY OF KS2017342 938 GW
Regional Comparison

How Andale compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Andale's score of 76.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Andale (this city)
76.5
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Andale, KS

Economic Profile
$87,625
Median Income
$230,565
Median Home Value
$963/mo
Median Rent
3.5%
Unemployment
Community
28.1
Median Age
759
People / sq mi
38.7%
College Educated
82.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Andale, KS tap water safe to drink?

Andale's water quality earned a grade of B (76.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #201 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Andale's water?

Lead was measured at 9.3 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.

How is Andale's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Andale?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Andale's water come from?

Andale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 938 residents.

What health violations has Andale's water system had?

Andale has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Andale's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Andale uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 8 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Andale's water compare to other cities?

Andale ranks #201 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 38% of state cities) and #9289 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Andale's small water system affect quality?

Andale's system serves approximately 938 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.