Is Coldwater, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.5/100
waterverge.com Coldwater, KS — Water Quality Report
Coldwater's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 33 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coldwater's water
Coldwater ranks #147 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Coldwater 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, Coldwater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coldwater, KS water safe to drink?
Coldwater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Coldwater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coldwater's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Coldwater's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Coldwater's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Comanche County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Coldwater's water come from?
Coldwater's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Coldwater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coldwater'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtComanche County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Comanche County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Coldwater compares by contaminant
Explore where Coldwater ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coldwater's water comes from
Coldwater'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 845 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Coldwater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLDWATER, CITY OF | KS2003304 | 672 | GW |
| COMANCHE CO RWD 2 | KS2003303 | 173 | GW |
How Coldwater compares
Full Kansas rankings →Coldwater's score of 81.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Coldwater, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Coldwater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Comanche
Frequently asked questions
Is Coldwater, KS tap water safe to drink?
Coldwater's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #147 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Coldwater's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Coldwater'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 Coldwater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Coldwater's water come from?
Coldwater's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 845 residents.
What health violations has Coldwater's water system had?
Coldwater has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Coldwater's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Coldwater 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 33 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 Coldwater's water compare to other cities?
Coldwater ranks #147 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 54% of state cities) and #7457 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.