Is Belvue, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Belvue, KS — Water Quality Report
Belvue's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,315 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 62 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Belvue's water
Belvue ranks #163 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Belvue 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, Belvue may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Belvue, KS water safe to drink?
Belvue's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,315 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Belvue
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belvue's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Belvue's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Belvue's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pottawatomie 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 Kansas R, Vermillion C Nr Wamego, Rock C Nr Louisville, Kansas R Nr Belvue.
Where does Belvue's water come from?
Belvue's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,315 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kansas R (river), Vermillion C Nr Wamego (river), Rock C Nr Louisville (river), Kansas R Nr Belvue (river).
What Belvue residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Belvue'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.
Belvue'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 Belvue
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belvue, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER SAINT MARYS, KS66536 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 9 | 5.7 mi |
ONYX COLLECTION INC BELVUE, KS66407 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
CATERPILLAR WORK TOOLS & SERVICES WAMEGO, KS66547 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pottawatomie 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.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Belvue compares by contaminant
Explore where Belvue ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Belvue's water comes from
Belvue'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 1,315 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Belvue
Belvue is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Belvue
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POTTAWATOMIE CO RWD 4 | KS2014922 | 1,125 | GW |
| BELVUE, CITY OF | KS2014902 | 190 | GWP |
How Belvue compares
Full Kansas rankings →Belvue's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Belvue, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Belvue's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pottawatomie
Frequently asked questions
Is Belvue, KS tap water safe to drink?
Belvue's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #163 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Belvue's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Belvue'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 Belvue?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Belvue's water come from?
Belvue's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,315 residents.
What health violations has Belvue's water system had?
Belvue has 5 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Belvue's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Belvue 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 62 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 Belvue's water compare to other cities?
Belvue ranks #163 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 50% of state cities) and #7792 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.