WaterVerge

Is Eureka, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

5K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: KS2007306
Overall Score
75.2 / 100
Violations
21 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#212 of 323 in Kansas Top 61% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
75.2/100
waterverge.com
B 75.2/100

Eureka, KS — Water Quality Report

Eureka's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,236 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 78 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Eureka's water

Eureka ranks #212 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average 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 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
75.2 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
29.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Eureka, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Eureka's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,236 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

21
Active Violations
2.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Eureka

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eureka's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-514). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Eureka's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Eureka's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMRMONOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jul 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Nov 2024 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Nov 2024 Chlorine Resolved
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open

Flood & environmental risk

Greenwood County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Otter C.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-514
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

Where does Eureka's water come from?

Eureka's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,236 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Otter C (river).

What Eureka residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eureka's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Eureka'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 19% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

78
Total violations
13
Health-based
21
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

78 Total
21 Active
13 Health-based
57 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
23
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Total Coliform Rule
7
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
7
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2019 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2010 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2010 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2008 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1999 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Showing 20 of 78 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Greenwood County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jul 1976
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #514
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378
Jun 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #201

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.2 ppb from 2004 (1.5 ppb) to 2025 (1.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
5,236
Water Systems
3
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
2
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Eureka's water comes from

Surface Water

Eureka'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 5,236 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Eureka

Eureka is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Otter C
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Eureka

System Name PWSID Population Source
EUREKA, CITY OF KS2007306 2,289 SW
GREENWOOD CO RWD 1 KS2007305 1,885 SWP
GREENWOOD CO RWD 2 KS2007302 1,062 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Eureka compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Eureka's score of 75.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Eureka (this city)
75.2
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Eureka, KS

Wikipedia →

Eureka is a city in and the county seat of Greenwood County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,332.

Economic Profile
$39,063
Median Income
$55,609
Median Home Value
$655/mo
Median Rent
4.6%
Unemployment
Community
45
Median Age
378
People / sq mi
10.3%
College Educated
74.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Eureka, KS tap water safe to drink?

Eureka's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #212 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Eureka's water?

Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.

How is Eureka'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 Eureka?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Eureka's water come from?

Eureka's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,236 residents.

What health violations has Eureka's water system had?

Eureka has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.

How does Eureka's water compare to other cities?

Eureka ranks #212 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 34% of state cities) and #9649 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.