Is Aurora, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Aurora, KS — Water Quality Report
Aurora's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 526 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 55 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aurora's water
Aurora ranks #207 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Aurora 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.
As a small community water system, Aurora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aurora, KS water safe to drink?
Aurora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 526 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aurora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aurora's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Aurora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aurora's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cloud County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Republican R.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 526 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Republican R (river).
What Aurora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aurora'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Aurora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aurora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLOUD CERAMICS CONCORDIA, KS66901 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cloud County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aurora compares by contaminant
Explore where Aurora ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aurora's water comes from
Aurora'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 526 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Aurora
Aurora is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Aurora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLOUD CO RWD 1 | KS2002901 | 473 | GW |
| AURORA, CITY OF | KS2002906 | 53 | GW |
How Aurora compares
Full Kansas rankings →Aurora's score of 76.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Aurora, KS
Wikipedia →Concordia is a city in and the county seat of Cloud County, Kansas, United States. It is located along the Republican River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains in North Central Kansas. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 5,111. Concordia is home of the Cloud County Community College and the Nazareth Convent and Academy.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aurora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cloud
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora, KS tap water safe to drink?
Aurora's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #207 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Aurora's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Aurora'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 Aurora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 526 residents.
What health violations has Aurora's water system had?
Aurora has 19 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. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aurora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aurora 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 55 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 Aurora's water compare to other cities?
Aurora ranks #207 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 36% of state cities) and #9378 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.