Is Carlton, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Carlton, KS — Water Quality Report
Carlton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,703 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 14 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carlton's water
Carlton ranks #83 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
As a small community water system, Carlton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlton, KS water safe to drink?
Carlton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,703 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Carlton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Carlton'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
Carlton's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dickinson 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 Mud C Nr Talmage, Smoky Hill R.
Where does Carlton's water come from?
Carlton's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,703 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mud C Nr Talmage (river), Smoky Hill R (river).
What Carlton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carlton'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.
Carlton'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
Flood & disaster history
Dickinson 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 Carlton'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 2.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.414 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Carlton compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlton ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlton's water comes from
Carlton's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,703 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carlton
Carlton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carlton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DICKINSON CO RWD 2 | KS2004106 | 1,703 | GUP |
How Carlton compares
Full Kansas rankings →Carlton's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Carlton, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dickinson
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlton, KS tap water safe to drink?
Carlton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Carlton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Carlton'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 Carlton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlton's water come from?
Carlton's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,703 residents.
What health violations has Carlton's water system had?
Carlton has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carlton's water compare to other cities?
Carlton ranks #83 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 74% of state cities) and #5511 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carlton's small water system affect quality?
Carlton's system serves approximately 1,703 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 14 violations on record.