Is Halstead, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.7/100
waterverge.com Halstead, KS — Water Quality Report
Halstead's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,505 residents using purchased ground 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 42 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Halstead's water
Halstead ranks #253 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Halstead purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Halstead may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Halstead, KS water safe to drink?
Halstead's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,505 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Halstead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Halstead's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform 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 Halstead'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
Halstead's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harvey 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 L Arkansas R, Emma C, L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick, L Arkansas R Upstream Of Asr Fac Nr Sedgwick.
Where does Halstead's water come from?
Halstead's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,505 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include L Arkansas R (river), Emma C (river), L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick (river), L Arkansas R Upstream Of Asr Fac Nr Sedgwick (river).
What Halstead residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Halstead'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.
Halstead'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 Halstead
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Halstead, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ERGON ASPHALT & EMULSIONS INC. - HALSTEAD HALSTEAD, KS67056 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
VOESTALPINE RAILWAY SYSTEMS NORTRAK INC. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
FULL VISION INC. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHarvey County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Harvey 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Halstead'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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2013)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Halstead compares by contaminant
Explore where Halstead ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Halstead's water comes from
Halstead purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Halstead's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,505 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Halstead
Halstead is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Halstead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALSTEAD, CITY OF | KS2007901 | 2,165 | GWP |
| MIDWEST CAMPS, LLC | KS2107902 | 340 | GW |
How Halstead compares
Full Kansas rankings →Halstead's score of 68.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Halstead, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Halstead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harvey
Frequently asked questions
Is Halstead, KS tap water safe to drink?
Halstead's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #253 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Halstead's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Halstead'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 Halstead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Halstead's water come from?
Halstead's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,505 residents.
What health violations has Halstead's water system had?
Halstead has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Halstead's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Halstead 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 42 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 Halstead's water compare to other cities?
Halstead ranks #253 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 22% of state cities) and #11033 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.