Is Elkhart, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 113 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Elkhart, KS — Water Quality Report
Elkhart's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,971 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 632 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 113 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkhart's water
Elkhart ranks #298 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Elkhart 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, Elkhart may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 394 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkhart, KS water safe to drink?
Elkhart's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,971 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkhart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkhart's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkhart's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkhart's water system has 632 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 113 remain unresolved. 394 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morton County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Cimarron R Nr Elkhart.
Where does Elkhart's water come from?
Elkhart's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,971 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cimarron R Nr Elkhart (river).
What Elkhart residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elkhart'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMorton County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Morton County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Elkhart compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkhart ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkhart's water comes from
Elkhart'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 1,971 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Elkhart
Elkhart is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkhart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKHART, CITY OF | KS2012901 | 1,884 | GW |
| SURREY HILLS | OK2007022 | 87 | GW |
How Elkhart compares
Full Kansas rankings →Elkhart's score of 50/100 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 Elkhart, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkhart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morton
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkhart, KS tap water safe to drink?
Elkhart's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #298 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Elkhart's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 632 violations are on record.
How is Elkhart'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 Elkhart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkhart's water come from?
Elkhart's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,971 residents.
What health violations has Elkhart's water system had?
Elkhart has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 113 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elkhart's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkhart 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 632 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 Elkhart's water compare to other cities?
Elkhart ranks #298 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 8% of state cities) and #13124 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.