Is Cottonwood Falls, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Cottonwood Falls, KS — Water Quality Report
Cottonwood Falls's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 822 residents using purchased ground 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cottonwood Falls's water
Cottonwood Falls ranks #24 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cottonwood Falls purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Cottonwood Falls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cottonwood Falls, KS water safe to drink?
Cottonwood Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 822 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cottonwood Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cottonwood Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Cottonwood Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cottonwood Falls's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chase County has experienced 3 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 Cottonwood R, Sf Cottonwood R Nr Bazaar.
Where does Cottonwood Falls's water come from?
Cottonwood Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 822 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cottonwood R (river), Sf Cottonwood R Nr Bazaar (river).
What Cottonwood Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cottonwood Falls'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.
Cottonwood Falls'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
Flood & disaster history
Chase County has experienced 3 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cottonwood Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Cottonwood Falls ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cottonwood Falls's water comes from
Cottonwood Falls purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Cottonwood Falls's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 822 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cottonwood Falls
Cottonwood Falls is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cottonwood Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTTONWOOD FALLS, CITY OF | KS2001703 | 821 | GWP |
| PUBLIC WHOLESALE WSD 26 | KS2001709 | 1 | GW |
How Cottonwood Falls compares
Full Kansas rankings →Cottonwood Falls's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Cottonwood Falls, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cottonwood Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chase
Frequently asked questions
Is Cottonwood Falls, KS tap water safe to drink?
Cottonwood Falls's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Cottonwood Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Cottonwood Falls'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 Cottonwood Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cottonwood Falls's water come from?
Cottonwood Falls's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 822 residents.
What health violations has Cottonwood Falls's water system had?
Cottonwood Falls has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cottonwood Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cottonwood Falls 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 10 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 Cottonwood Falls's water compare to other cities?
Cottonwood Falls ranks #24 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 93% of state cities) and #3189 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.