Is Galena, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.1/100
waterverge.com Galena, KS — Water Quality Report
Galena's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,743 residents using purchased surface water.
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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Galena's water
Galena ranks #117 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
As a small community water system, Galena may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Galena, KS water safe to drink?
Galena's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,743 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Galena
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Galena's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Galena's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Galena's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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 Shoal Creek Above Joplin, Spring R Nr Baxter Springs, Spring River Near Quapaw, Beaver Creek Near Quapaw.
Where does Galena's water come from?
Galena's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,743 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Shoal Creek Above Joplin (river), Spring R Nr Baxter Springs (river), Spring River Near Quapaw (river), Beaver Creek Near Quapaw (river).
What Galena residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Galena'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.
Galena'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 Galena
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Galena, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JAYHAWK FINE CHEMICALS CORP GALENA, KS66739 | Nitric acid | 5 | 3.6 mi |
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO JOPLIN, MO64801 | Nickel | 0 | 4.5 mi |
PBI/GORDON CORP - JAYHAWK FACILITY CRESTLINE, KS66728 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
PLANT 5 - PORT-0811 - BAXTER SPRINGS BAXTER SPRINGS, KS66713 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
ATEC STEEL FABRICATION & CONSTRUCTION LLC BAXTER SPRINGS, KS66713 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Galena
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CHEROKEE COUNTY4.9 mi
- NEWTON COUNTY WELLS9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Galena compares by contaminant
Explore where Galena ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Galena's water comes from
Galena'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 2,743 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Galena
Galena is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Galena
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALENA, CITY OF | KS2002113 | 2,743 | SWP |
How Galena compares
Full Kansas rankings →Galena's score of 83.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Galena, KS
Wikipedia →Galena is a city in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,761.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Galena's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Galena, KS tap water safe to drink?
Galena's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #117 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Galena's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Galena'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 Galena?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Galena's water come from?
Galena's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,743 residents.
How does Galena's water compare to other cities?
Galena ranks #117 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 64% of state cities) and #6592 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Galena's small water system affect quality?
Galena's system serves approximately 2,743 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 14 violations on record.