Is Glen Elder, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Glen Elder, KS — Water Quality Report
Glen Elder's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,577 residents using 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 220 violations on record, including 140 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Elder's water
Glen Elder ranks #316 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.
As a small community water system, Glen Elder may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Elder, KS water safe to drink?
Glen Elder's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,577 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Elder
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Elder's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, CARBON, TOTAL.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Glen Elder's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Glen Elder's water system has 220 total violations on record, including 140 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mitchell County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Solomon R Nr Glen Elder.
Where does Glen Elder's water come from?
Glen Elder's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,577 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Solomon R Nr Glen Elder (river).
What Glen Elder residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Elder'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMitchell County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Mitchell County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Glen Elder's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glen Elder compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Elder ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Elder's water comes from
Glen Elder'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 1,577 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Glen Elder
Glen Elder is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Glen Elder
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MITCHELL CO RWD 2 | KS2012304 | 873 | SW |
| GLEN ELDER, CITY OF | KS2012305 | 359 | GW |
| MITCHELL CO RWD 1 | KS2012302 | 345 | SWP |
How Glen Elder compares
Full Kansas rankings →Glen Elder's score of 42/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Glen Elder, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Elder's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mitchell
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Elder, KS tap water safe to drink?
Glen Elder's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #316 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Glen Elder's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 220 violations are on record.
How is Glen Elder'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 Glen Elder?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Elder's water come from?
Glen Elder's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,577 residents.
What health violations has Glen Elder's water system had?
Glen Elder has 140 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 50 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glen Elder's water compare to other cities?
Glen Elder ranks #316 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 2% of state cities) and #14907 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.