Is Columbus, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.5/100
waterverge.com Columbus, KS — Water Quality Report
Columbus's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,783 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 112 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbus's water
Columbus ranks #282 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.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbus, KS water safe to drink?
Columbus's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Columbus
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbus's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine, TTHM.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Columbus's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Columbus's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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 Spring R Nr Baxter Springs.
Where does Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Spring R Nr Baxter Springs (river).
What Columbus residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbus'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.
Columbus'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 Columbus
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbus, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PBI/GORDON CORP - JAYHAWK FACILITY CRESTLINE, KS66728 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
BUTTERBALL LLC COLUMBUS, KS66725 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Columbus
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CHEROKEE COUNTY9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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 Columbus compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbus ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbus's water comes from
Columbus'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 4,783 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Columbus
Columbus 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 Columbus
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBUS, CITY OF | KS2002110 | 2,882 | SWP |
| CHEROKEE CO RWD 3 | KS2002107 | 1,900 | SWP |
| PUBLIC WHOLESALE WSD 19 | KS2002123 | 1 | SW |
How Columbus compares
Full Kansas rankings →Columbus's score of 58.5/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbus's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus, KS tap water safe to drink?
Columbus's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #282 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Columbus's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Columbus'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 Columbus?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbus's water come from?
Columbus's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,783 residents.
What health violations has Columbus's water system had?
Columbus has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Columbus's water compare to other cities?
Columbus ranks #282 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 13% of state cities) and #12277 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.