Is Arma, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com Arma, KS — Water Quality Report
Arma's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,116 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 44 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Arma's water
Arma ranks #197 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Arma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Arma, KS water safe to drink?
Arma's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,116 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Arma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Arma's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Arma's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Arma's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 East Drywood Creek At Prairie State Park.
Where does Arma's water come from?
Arma's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,116 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Drywood Creek At Prairie State Park (river).
What Arma residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Arma's water.
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.
Arma'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Arma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Arma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ETCO SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC. GIRARD, KS66743 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
MASONITE DOOR CORP PITTSBURG, KS66762 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
MCP URETHANES PITTSBURG, KS66762 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ATKINSON INDUSTRIES INC PITTSBURG, KS66762 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Crawford County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Arma compares by contaminant
Explore where Arma ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Arma's water comes from
Arma's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,116 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Arma
Arma is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Arma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAWFORD CO RWD 2 | KS2003717 | 1,460 | SWP |
| ARMA, CITY OF | KS2003713 | 1,406 | SWP |
| CRAWFORD CO RWD 3 | KS2003716 | 250 | GW |
How Arma compares
Full Kansas rankings →Arma's score of 76.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Arma, KS
Wikipedia →Arma is a city in Crawford County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,407.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Arma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Arma, KS tap water safe to drink?
Arma's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #197 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Arma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Arma'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 Arma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Arma's water come from?
Arma's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,116 residents.
What health violations has Arma's water system had?
Arma has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Arma's water compare to other cities?
Arma ranks #197 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 39% of state cities) and #9218 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.