Is Girard, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.2/100
waterverge.com Girard, KS — Water Quality Report
Girard's drinking water received a grade of C (62.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,816 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 107 violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Girard's water
Girard ranks #274 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 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Girard, KS water safe to drink?
Girard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,816 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Girard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Girard's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Girard's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Girard's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford 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 Girard's water come from?
Girard's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 6,816 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Girard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Girard'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.
Girard'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 Girard
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Girard, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ETCO SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC. GIRARD, KS66743 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Crawford 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Girard compares by contaminant
Explore where Girard ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Girard's water comes from
Girard'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 6,816 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Girard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GIRARD, CITY OF | KS2003718 | 2,497 | SWP |
| CRAWFORD CO RWD 1C | KS2003719 | 1,915 | SWP |
| CRAWFORD CO RWD 4 | KS2003706 | 1,580 | GW |
| CRAWFORD CO RWD 6 | KS2003707 | 823 | SWP |
| PUBLIC WHOLESALE WSD 11 | KS2003725 | 1 | SW |
How Girard compares
Full Kansas rankings →Girard's score of 62.2/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Girard, KS
Wikipedia →Girard is a city in and the county seat of Crawford County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,496.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Girard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Girard, KS tap water safe to drink?
Girard's water quality earned a grade of C (62.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #274 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Girard's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Girard'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 Girard?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Girard's water come from?
Girard's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 6,816 residents.
What health violations has Girard's water system had?
Girard has 52 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 26 violations remain unresolved.
How does Girard's water compare to other cities?
Girard ranks #274 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 15% of state cities) and #11900 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.