Is Highland, 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 ↓
58.1/100
waterverge.com Highland, KS — Water Quality Report
Highland's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,345 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 38 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Highland's water
Highland ranks #283 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Highland 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.
As a small community water system, Highland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Highland, KS water safe to drink?
Highland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,345 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Highland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Highland's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4035). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3324). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Highland'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
Highland's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Doniphan County has experienced 6 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 Highland's water come from?
Highland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,345 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Highland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Highland'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.
Highland'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
Doniphan County has experienced 6 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 Highland'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. | 3.4 | 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Highland compares by contaminant
Explore where Highland ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Highland's water comes from
Highland'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 1,345 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Highland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND, CITY OF | KS2004306 | 917 | GW |
| DONIPHAN CO RWD 6 | KS2004310 | 428 | GWP |
How Highland compares
Full Kansas rankings →Highland's score of 58.1/100 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 Highland, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Highland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Doniphan
Frequently asked questions
Is Highland, KS tap water safe to drink?
Highland's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #283 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Highland's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Highland'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 Highland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Highland's water come from?
Highland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,345 residents.
What health violations has Highland's water system had?
Highland has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Highland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Highland 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 38 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 Highland's water compare to other cities?
Highland ranks #283 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 12% of state cities) and #12314 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.