Is Courtland, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Courtland, KS — Water Quality Report
Courtland's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 836 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 17 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Courtland's water
Courtland ranks #60 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Courtland 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, Courtland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Courtland, KS water safe to drink?
Courtland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 836 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Courtland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Courtland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Courtland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Courtland's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Republic County has experienced 3 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 Republican R.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 836 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Republican R (river).
What Courtland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Courtland'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.
Courtland'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 Courtland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Courtland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NESIKA ENERGY SCANDIA, KS66966 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Republic County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Courtland's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Courtland compares by contaminant
Explore where Courtland ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Courtland's water comes from
Courtland'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 836 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Courtland
Courtland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Courtland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REPUBLIC CO RWD 1 | KS2015702 | 548 | GW |
| COURTLAND, CITY OF | KS2015703 | 288 | GWP |
How Courtland compares
Full Kansas rankings →Courtland's score of 86/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Courtland, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Courtland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Republic
Frequently asked questions
Is Courtland, KS tap water safe to drink?
Courtland's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #60 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Courtland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Courtland'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 Courtland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 836 residents.
What health violations has Courtland's water system had?
Courtland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Courtland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Courtland 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 17 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 Courtland's water compare to other cities?
Courtland ranks #60 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 81% of state cities) and #5005 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.