Is Belle Plaine, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.6/100
waterverge.com Belle Plaine, KS — Water Quality Report
Belle Plaine's drinking water received a grade of C (61.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,468 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 41 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Belle Plaine's water
Belle Plaine ranks #277 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Belle Plaine 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, Belle Plaine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Belle Plaine, KS water safe to drink?
Belle Plaine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,468 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Belle Plaine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belle Plaine's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Belle Plaine's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Belle Plaine's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sumner County has experienced 3 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 Arkansas R, Ninnescah R Nr Peck, Arkansas R On Hwy 160, Slate C.
Where does Belle Plaine's water come from?
Belle Plaine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,468 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas R (river), Ninnescah R Nr Peck (river), Arkansas R On Hwy 160 (river), Slate C (river).
What Belle Plaine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Belle Plaine'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.
Belle Plaine'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 Belle Plaine
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belle Plaine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KANSAS CASTINGS BELLE PLAINE, KS67013 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSumner County is currently in D2 (severe 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sumner County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Belle Plaine's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Belle Plaine compares by contaminant
Explore where Belle Plaine ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Belle Plaine's water comes from
Belle Plaine'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 1,468 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Belle Plaine
Belle Plaine is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Belle Plaine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLE PLAINE, CITY OF | KS2019115 | 1,468 | GW |
How Belle Plaine compares
Full Kansas rankings →Belle Plaine's score of 61.6/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Belle Plaine, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Belle Plaine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sumner
Frequently asked questions
Is Belle Plaine, KS tap water safe to drink?
Belle Plaine's water quality earned a grade of C (61.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #277 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Belle Plaine's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Belle Plaine'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 Belle Plaine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Belle Plaine's water come from?
Belle Plaine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,468 residents.
What health violations has Belle Plaine's water system had?
Belle Plaine has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Belle Plaine's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Belle Plaine 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 41 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 Belle Plaine's water compare to other cities?
Belle Plaine ranks #277 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 14% of state cities) and #11973 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Belle Plaine's small water system affect quality?
Belle Plaine's system serves approximately 1,468 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 41 violations on record.