Is Chetopa, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Chetopa, KS — Water Quality Report
Chetopa's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 921 residents using 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 67 violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chetopa's water
Chetopa ranks #195 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Chetopa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chetopa, KS water safe to drink?
Chetopa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 921 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chetopa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chetopa's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Chetopa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chetopa's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 58 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Labette County has experienced 4 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 Neosho River Near Commerce.
Where does Chetopa's water come from?
Chetopa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 921 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neosho River Near Commerce (river).
What Chetopa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chetopa'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.
Chetopa'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 Chetopa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chetopa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TANK CONNECTION OSWEGO, KS67356 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Labette County has experienced 4 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chetopa compares by contaminant
Explore where Chetopa ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chetopa's water comes from
Chetopa'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 921 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chetopa
Chetopa is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Chetopa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHETOPA, CITY OF | KS2009905 | 921 | SW |
How Chetopa compares
Full Kansas rankings →Chetopa's score of 77/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Chetopa, KS
Wikipedia →Chetopa is a city in Labette County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 929. Chetopa was named for Chief Chetopah, an Osage Indian chief. Later, the community name was shortened.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chetopa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Labette
Frequently asked questions
Is Chetopa, KS tap water safe to drink?
Chetopa's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #195 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Chetopa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Chetopa'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 Chetopa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chetopa's water come from?
Chetopa's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 921 residents.
What health violations has Chetopa's water system had?
Chetopa has 58 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chetopa's water compare to other cities?
Chetopa ranks #195 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 40% of state cities) and #9142 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chetopa's small water system affect quality?
Chetopa's system serves approximately 921 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 67 violations on record.