Is Holcomb, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com Holcomb, KS — Water Quality Report
Holcomb's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,512 residents using groundwater.
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 40 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Holcomb's water
Holcomb ranks #73 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Holcomb 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Holcomb, KS water safe to drink?
Holcomb's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,512 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Holcomb
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Holcomb's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chromium, Mercury, Antimony, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-201). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Holcomb's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Holcomb's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Finney County has experienced 2 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 Southside Ditch Return Nr Deerfield, Arkansas R, Farmers Ditch Nr Deerfield.
Where does Holcomb's water come from?
Holcomb's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,512 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Southside Ditch Return Nr Deerfield (stream), Arkansas R (river), Farmers Ditch Nr Deerfield (stream).
What Holcomb residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Holcomb'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Holcomb
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Holcomb, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BONANZA BIOENERGY LLC GARDEN CITY, KS67846 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
PALMER MANUFACTURING & TANK GARDEN CITY, KS67846 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
HI PLAINS FEED LLC GARDEN CITY, KS67846 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
TEX OK KAN OIL FIELD SERVICES LLC GARDEN CITY, KS67846 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
REEVE AGRI ENERGY GARDEN CITY, KS67846 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFinney 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
Finney County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Holcomb compares by contaminant
Explore where Holcomb ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Holcomb's water comes from
Holcomb'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 4,512 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Holcomb
Holcomb is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Holcomb
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLCOMB, CITY OF | KS2005509 | 2,228 | GW |
| FINNEY CO RWD 1 | KS2005540 | 2,200 | GWP |
| BACKCOUNTRY, LLC | KS2005533 | 84 | GW |
How Holcomb compares
Full Kansas rankings →Holcomb's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Holcomb, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Holcomb's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Finney
Frequently asked questions
Is Holcomb, KS tap water safe to drink?
Holcomb's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Holcomb's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Holcomb'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 Holcomb?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Holcomb's water come from?
Holcomb's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,512 residents.
What health violations has Holcomb's water system had?
Holcomb has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Holcomb's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Holcomb 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 40 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 Holcomb's water compare to other cities?
Holcomb ranks #73 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 77% of state cities) and #5340 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.