Is Hillsboro, 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 ↓
66.2/100
waterverge.com Hillsboro, KS — Water Quality Report
Hillsboro's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,138 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 62 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hillsboro's water
Hillsboro ranks #263 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 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hillsboro, KS water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,138 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hillsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hillsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Hillsboro'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
Hillsboro's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 Nf Cottonwood R Nr Durham, N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,138 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nf Cottonwood R Nr Durham (river), N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk (river).
What Hillsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hillsboro'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.
Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hillsboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FLINT HILLS INDUSTRIES DBA HILLSBORO IND HILLSBORO, KS67063 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMarion 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
Marion 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 Hillsboro'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hillsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Hillsboro ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hillsboro's water comes from
Hillsboro'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 4,138 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hillsboro
Hillsboro is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hillsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HILLSBORO, CITY OF | KS2011505 | 2,740 | SW |
| MARION CO RWD 4 | KS2011511 | 1,398 | GWP |
How Hillsboro compares
Full Kansas rankings →Hillsboro's score of 66.2/100 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 Hillsboro, KS
Wikipedia →Hillsboro is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,732. The city was named after John Hill, who homesteaded in the area in 1871. The city has a significant student population, because it is home of Tabor College.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hillsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Hillsboro, KS tap water safe to drink?
Hillsboro's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #263 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Hillsboro's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hillsboro's water come from?
Hillsboro's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,138 residents.
What health violations has Hillsboro's water system had?
Hillsboro has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hillsboro's water compare to other cities?
Hillsboro ranks #263 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 19% of state cities) and #11408 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.