Is Colwich, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Colwich, KS — Water Quality Report
Colwich's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,463 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colwich's water
Colwich ranks #162 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Colwich 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, Colwich may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colwich, KS water safe to drink?
Colwich's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,463 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colwich
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colwich's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Colwich's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colwich's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were 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 Arkansas R Nr Maize, L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick, L Arkansas R, Floodway, Cowskin C.
Where does Colwich's water come from?
Colwich's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,463 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas R Nr Maize (river), L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick (river), L Arkansas R (river), Floodway (river), Cowskin C (river).
What Colwich residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colwich'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.
Colwich'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 Colwich
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colwich, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ICM INC COLWICH, KS67030 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
CARDINAL COLWICH LLC COLWICH, KS67030 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS INC. GODDARD, KS67052 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS KANSAS LLC MAIZE, KS67101 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
KYODO YUSHI USA INC. MAIZE, KS67101 | — | — | 2.6 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colwich compares by contaminant
Explore where Colwich ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colwich's water comes from
Colwich'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 1,463 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colwich
Colwich is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colwich
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLWICH, CITY OF | KS2017344 | 1,463 | GW |
How Colwich compares
Full Kansas rankings →Colwich's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Colwich, KS
Wikipedia →Colwich is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States, located northwest of Wichita. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,455.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colwich's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sedgwick
Frequently asked questions
Is Colwich, KS tap water safe to drink?
Colwich's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #162 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Colwich's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Colwich'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 Colwich?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colwich's water come from?
Colwich's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,463 residents.
Is Colwich's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colwich 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 6 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 Colwich's water compare to other cities?
Colwich ranks #162 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 50% of state cities) and #7788 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colwich's small water system affect quality?
Colwich's system serves approximately 1,463 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 6 violations on record.