Is Cedar Vale, 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 ↓
69.4/100
waterverge.com Cedar Vale, KS — Water Quality Report
Cedar Vale's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 753 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 40 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cedar Vale's water
Cedar Vale ranks #247 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Cedar Vale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedar Vale, KS water safe to drink?
Cedar Vale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 753 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cedar Vale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedar Vale's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedar Vale'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
Cedar Vale's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chautauqua 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.
Where does Cedar Vale's water come from?
Cedar Vale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 753 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Cedar Vale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cedar Vale'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.
Cedar Vale'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtChautauqua County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Chautauqua 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 Cedar Vale'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cedar Vale compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedar Vale ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedar Vale's water comes from
Cedar Vale'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 753 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Cedar Vale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR VALE, CITY OF | KS2001902 | 475 | SWP |
| CHAUTAUQUA CO RWD 2 | KS2001908 | 278 | SWP |
How Cedar Vale compares
Full Kansas rankings →Cedar Vale's score of 69.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Cedar Vale, KS
Wikipedia →Cedar Vale is a city in Chautauqua County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 476.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedar Vale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chautauqua
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Vale, KS tap water safe to drink?
Cedar Vale's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #247 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Cedar Vale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Cedar Vale'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 Cedar Vale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedar Vale's water come from?
Cedar Vale's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 753 residents.
What health violations has Cedar Vale's water system had?
Cedar Vale has 15 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cedar Vale's water compare to other cities?
Cedar Vale ranks #247 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 24% of state cities) and #10926 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.