Is Humboldt, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Humboldt, KS — Water Quality Report
Humboldt's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,836 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 9 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Humboldt's water
Humboldt ranks #16 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Humboldt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Humboldt, KS water safe to drink?
Humboldt's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,836 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Humboldt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Humboldt's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
Contaminants: Cryptosporidium.
Contaminants: Cryptosporidium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorite.
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 Humboldt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Humboldt's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Allen County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Neosho R Nr Iola.
Where does Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,836 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neosho R Nr Iola (river).
What Humboldt residents can do
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 Humboldt
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Humboldt, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MONARCH CEMENT CO HUMBOLDT, KS66748 | Mercury | 0 | 1.0 mi |
ASH GROVE CEMENT CO CHANUTE, KS66720 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
HBD/THERMOID INC CHANUTE, KS66720 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
PRECISION INTERNATIONAL IOLA, KS66749 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
GATES CORP IOLA, KS66749 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Humboldt
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORMER UNITED ZINC ASSOCIATED SMELTERS8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Allen County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Humboldt compares by contaminant
Explore where Humboldt ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Humboldt's water comes from
Humboldt'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 1,836 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Humboldt
Humboldt 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 Humboldt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUMBOLDT, CITY OF | KS2000111 | 1,836 | SW |
How Humboldt compares
Full Kansas rankings →Humboldt's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Humboldt, KS
Wikipedia →Humboldt is a city in Allen County, Kansas, United States. It is situated along the Neosho River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,847.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Humboldt's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allen
Frequently asked questions
Is Humboldt, KS tap water safe to drink?
Humboldt's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Humboldt's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Humboldt'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 Humboldt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Humboldt's water come from?
Humboldt's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,836 residents.
What health violations has Humboldt's water system had?
Humboldt has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Humboldt's water compare to other cities?
Humboldt ranks #16 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 95% of state cities) and #2795 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Humboldt's small water system affect quality?
Humboldt's system serves approximately 1,836 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 9 violations on record.