Is Effingham, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Effingham, KS — Water Quality Report
Effingham's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater.
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 17 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Effingham's water
Effingham ranks #7 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Effingham 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, Effingham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Effingham, KS water safe to drink?
Effingham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Effingham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Effingham's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4035). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3324). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Effingham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Effingham's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Atchison County has experienced 6 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 Delaware R Nr Muscotah.
Where does Effingham's water come from?
Effingham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware R Nr Muscotah (river).
What Effingham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Effingham'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.
Effingham'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
Atchison County has experienced 6 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 Effingham compares by contaminant
Explore where Effingham ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Effingham's water comes from
Effingham'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Effingham
Effingham is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Effingham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFFINGHAM, CITY OF | KS2000502 | 500 | GW |
How Effingham compares
Full Kansas rankings →Effingham's score of 93/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Effingham, KS
Wikipedia →Effingham is a city in Benton Township, Atchison County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 495.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Effingham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Atchison
Frequently asked questions
Is Effingham, KS tap water safe to drink?
Effingham's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #7 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Effingham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Effingham'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 Effingham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Effingham's water come from?
Effingham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
Is Effingham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Effingham 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 Effingham's water compare to other cities?
Effingham ranks #7 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 98% of state cities) and #1044 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Effingham's small water system affect quality?
Effingham's system serves approximately 500 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 17 violations on record.