Is Cheney, 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 ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Cheney, KS — Water Quality Report
Cheney's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,170 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 16 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cheney's water
Cheney ranks #77 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cheney 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, Cheney may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cheney, KS water safe to drink?
Cheney's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,170 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cheney
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cheney's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Cheney'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
Cheney's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Cheney Re Nr Cheney, Sf Ninnescah R Nr Murdock.
Where does Cheney's water come from?
Cheney's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,170 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cheney Re Nr Cheney (lake), Sf Ninnescah R Nr Murdock (river).
What Cheney residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cheney'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.
Cheney'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 Cheney
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cheney, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KINGMAN GAS PLANT CHENEY, KS67025 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSedgwick 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
Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cheney'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 1.66 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cheney compares by contaminant
Explore where Cheney ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cheney's water comes from
Cheney'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 2,170 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cheney
Cheney is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cheney
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHENEY, CITY OF | KS2017327 | 2,170 | GW |
How Cheney compares
Full Kansas rankings →Cheney's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Cheney, KS
Wikipedia →Cheney is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,181.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cheney's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sedgwick
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheney, KS tap water safe to drink?
Cheney's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #77 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Cheney's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Cheney'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 Cheney?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cheney's water come from?
Cheney's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,170 residents.
What health violations has Cheney's water system had?
Cheney has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cheney's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cheney 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 16 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 Cheney's water compare to other cities?
Cheney ranks #77 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 76% of state cities) and #5392 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cheney's small water system affect quality?
Cheney's system serves approximately 2,170 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 16 violations on record.