Is Elk City, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 37 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Elk City, KS — Water Quality Report
Elk City's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 722 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 224 violations on record, including 136 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elk City's water
Elk City ranks #304 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.
As a small community water system, Elk City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Elk City, KS water safe to drink?
Elk City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 722 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elk City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elk City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elk City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elk City's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 136 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wilson County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Fall R.
Where does Elk City's water come from?
Elk City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 722 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fall R (river).
What Elk City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elk City'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.
Elk City'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
Wilson County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Elk City compares by contaminant
Explore where Elk City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elk City's water comes from
Elk City'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 722 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elk City
Elk City 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 Elk City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTGOMERY CO RWD 9 | KS2012519 | 430 | SWP |
| ELK CITY, CITY OF | KS2012520 | 292 | SW |
How Elk City compares
Full Kansas rankings →Elk City's score of 49/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Elk City, KS
Wikipedia →Fredonia is a city in and the county seat of Wilson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,151. The city was founded in 1868, and saw considerable expansion in the early 20th century, with a fossil fuel boom.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elk City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Elk City, KS tap water safe to drink?
Elk City's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #304 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Elk City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Elk City'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 Elk City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elk City's water come from?
Elk City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 722 residents.
What health violations has Elk City's water system had?
Elk City has 136 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 37 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elk City's water compare to other cities?
Elk City ranks #304 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 6% of state cities) and #13381 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.