Is Howard, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69/100
waterverge.com Howard, KS — Water Quality Report
Howard's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,103 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.1 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 81 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Howard's water
Howard ranks #250 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.
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, Howard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Howard, KS water safe to drink?
Howard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,103 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Howard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Howard's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Howard'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
Howard's water system has 81 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Elk County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Elk R.
Where does Howard's water come from?
Howard's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,103 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Elk R (river).
What Howard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Howard'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.
Howard'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
Elk County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Howard'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. | 6.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Howard compares by contaminant
Explore where Howard ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Howard's water comes from
Howard'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 1,103 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Howard
Howard is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Howard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOWARD, CITY OF | KS2004901 | 583 | SWP |
| ELK CO RWD 2 | KS2004906 | 520 | SWP |
How Howard compares
Full Kansas rankings →Howard's score of 69/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Howard, KS
Wikipedia →Howard is a city in and the county seat of Elk County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 570.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Howard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elk
Frequently asked questions
Is Howard, KS tap water safe to drink?
Howard's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #250 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Howard's water?
Lead was measured at 6.1 ppb (90th percentile). 81 violations are on record.
How is Howard'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 Howard?
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 Howard's water come from?
Howard's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,103 residents.
What health violations has Howard's water system had?
Howard has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Howard's water compare to other cities?
Howard ranks #250 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 23% of state cities) and #10998 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.