Is Fairview, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com Fairview, KS — Water Quality Report
Fairview's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 709 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 20 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairview's water
Fairview ranks #158 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Fairview 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, Fairview may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairview, KS water safe to drink?
Fairview's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 709 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairview
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairview's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Fairview's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fairview's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brown County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Fairview's water come from?
Fairview's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 709 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fairview residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairview'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fairview'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 Fairview
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairview, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COPERION PROCESS SOLUTIONS SABETHA, KS66534 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Brown County has experienced 4 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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fairview compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairview ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairview's water comes from
Fairview'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 709 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fairview
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROWN CO RWD 1 | KS2001304 | 709 | GW |
How Fairview compares
Full Kansas rankings →Fairview's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Fairview, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairview's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brown
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairview, KS tap water safe to drink?
Fairview's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Fairview's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Fairview'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 Fairview?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairview's water come from?
Fairview's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 709 residents.
What health violations has Fairview's water system had?
Fairview has 10 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fairview's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairview 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 20 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 Fairview's water compare to other cities?
Fairview ranks #158 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 51% of state cities) and #7683 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairview's small water system affect quality?
Fairview's system serves approximately 709 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 20 violations on record.