Is Ellsworth, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.2/100
waterverge.com Ellsworth, KS — Water Quality Report
Ellsworth's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,120 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 110 violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ellsworth's water
Ellsworth ranks #287 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.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ellsworth, KS water safe to drink?
Ellsworth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,120 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ellsworth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ellsworth's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment 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 Ellsworth's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ellsworth's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ellsworth 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 Smoky Hill R.
Where does Ellsworth's water come from?
Ellsworth's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,120 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Smoky Hill R (river).
What Ellsworth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ellsworth'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.
Ellsworth'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 Ellsworth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ellsworth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CVCO LLC DBA CASHCO & VALVE CONCEPTS ELLSWORTH, KS67439 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING INC ELLSWORTH ELLSWORTH, KS67439 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEllsworth County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Ellsworth 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.
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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ellsworth compares by contaminant
Explore where Ellsworth ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ellsworth's water comes from
Ellsworth'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 6,120 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ellsworth
Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELLSWORTH CO RWD 1 | KS2005309 | 3,128 | SW |
| ELLSWORTH, CITY OF | KS2005306 | 2,992 | SWP |
How Ellsworth compares
Full Kansas rankings →Ellsworth's score of 54.2/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Ellsworth, KS
Wikipedia →Ellsworth is a city in and the county seat of Ellsworth County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,066. Known as a cow town in the 1870s, when the Kansas Pacific Railroad operated a stockyard here for shipping cattle to eastern markets. In the 21st century, Ellsworth is the trading center of the rural county.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ellsworth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ellsworth
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellsworth, KS tap water safe to drink?
Ellsworth's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #287 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Ellsworth's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Ellsworth'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 Ellsworth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ellsworth's water come from?
Ellsworth's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,120 residents.
What health violations has Ellsworth's water system had?
Ellsworth has 57 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ellsworth's water compare to other cities?
Ellsworth ranks #287 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 11% of state cities) and #12624 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.