Is Hiawatha, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Hiawatha, KS — Water Quality Report
Hiawatha's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,246 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 52 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hiawatha's water
Hiawatha ranks #164 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hiawatha 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Hiawatha may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hiawatha, KS water safe to drink?
Hiawatha's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,246 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hiawatha
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hiawatha's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Hiawatha's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Hiawatha's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 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 Hiawatha's water come from?
Hiawatha's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,246 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hiawatha residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hiawatha'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.
Hiawatha'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hiawatha'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. | 8.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hiawatha compares by contaminant
Explore where Hiawatha ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hiawatha's water comes from
Hiawatha'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 3,246 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hiawatha
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIAWATHA, CITY OF | KS2001305 | 3,246 | GW |
How Hiawatha compares
Full Kansas rankings →Hiawatha's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Hiawatha, KS
Wikipedia →Hiawatha is the largest city in and the county seat of Brown County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,280.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hiawatha's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brown
Frequently asked questions
Is Hiawatha, KS tap water safe to drink?
Hiawatha's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #164 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Hiawatha's water?
Lead was measured at 8.5 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Hiawatha'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 Hiawatha?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hiawatha's water come from?
Hiawatha's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,246 residents.
What health violations has Hiawatha's water system had?
Hiawatha has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hiawatha's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hiawatha 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 52 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 Hiawatha's water compare to other cities?
Hiawatha ranks #164 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 49% of state cities) and #7830 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hiawatha's small water system affect quality?
Hiawatha's system serves approximately 3,246 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 52 violations on record.