Is Horton, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 94 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Horton, KS — Water Quality Report
Horton's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,034 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 418 violations on record, including 151 health-based violations. 94 remain unresolved.
What to know about Horton's water
Horton ranks #306 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Horton 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, Horton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 83 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Horton, KS water safe to drink?
Horton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Horton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Horton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Horton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Horton's water system has 418 total violations on record, including 151 health-based violations. 94 remain unresolved. 83 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. Local water sources include Delaware R Nr Muscotah.
Where does Horton's water come from?
Horton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware R Nr Muscotah (river).
What Horton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Horton'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.
Horton'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.
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 Horton compares by contaminant
Explore where Horton ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Horton's water comes from
Horton'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 2,034 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Horton
Horton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Horton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORTON, CITY OF | KS2001306 | 1,514 | GW |
| KICKAPOO TRIBAL WATERWORKS | 070000002 | 520 | SW |
How Horton compares
Full Kansas rankings →Horton's score of 47/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →ZIP codes served by Horton
The water systems serving Horton cover 1 ZIP code. Select any ZIP to see which water systems serve that area.
About Horton, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Horton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brown
Frequently asked questions
Is Horton, KS tap water safe to drink?
Horton's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #306 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Horton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 418 violations are on record.
How is Horton'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 Horton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Horton's water come from?
Horton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,034 residents.
What health violations has Horton's water system had?
Horton has 151 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. 94 violations remain unresolved.
Is Horton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Horton 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 418 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 Horton's water compare to other cities?
Horton ranks #306 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 5% of state cities) and #13745 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.