Is Elwood, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Elwood, KS — Water Quality Report
Elwood's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,114 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elwood's water
Elwood ranks #91 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Elwood purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Elwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elwood, KS water safe to drink?
Elwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,114 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elwood's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Doniphan 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 Missouri River At St. Joseph.
Where does Elwood's water come from?
Elwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,114 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Missouri River At St. Joseph (river).
What Elwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elwood'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.
Elwood'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 Elwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 22 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NATIONAL BEEF LEATHERS LLC SAINT JOSEPH, MO64504 | Ammonia | 20 | 2.3 mi |
LAKE ROAD STATION SAINT JOSEPH, MO64504 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 2 | 2.3 mi |
RITEPACK INC WATHENA, KS66090 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
SNORKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC ELWOOD, KS66024 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. WATHENA, KS66090 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Doniphan 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Elwood ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elwood's water comes from
Elwood purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Elwood's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,114 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elwood
Elwood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELWOOD, CITY OF | KS2004302 | 1,114 | GWP |
How Elwood compares
Full Kansas rankings →Elwood's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Elwood, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Doniphan
Frequently asked questions
Is Elwood, KS tap water safe to drink?
Elwood's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #91 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Elwood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Elwood'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 Elwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elwood's water come from?
Elwood's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,114 residents.
Is Elwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elwood 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 5 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 Elwood's water compare to other cities?
Elwood ranks #91 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 72% of state cities) and #5690 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elwood's small water system affect quality?
Elwood's system serves approximately 1,114 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 5 violations on record.