WaterVerge

Is Lebo, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

883 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KS2003104
Overall Score
86.7 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#47 of 323 in Kansas Top 29% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.7/100

Lebo, KS — Water Quality Report

Lebo's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 883 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Lebo's water

Lebo ranks #47 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average 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, Lebo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Lebo, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lebo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 883 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
2.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lebo

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lebo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-378). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lebo's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Lebo's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2017 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2017 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2017 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2016 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2008 Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Coffey County has experienced 2 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 Melvern Lk Nr Melvern, Neosho R.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

Where does Lebo's water come from?

Lebo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 883 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Melvern Lk Nr Melvern (lake), Neosho R (river).

What Lebo residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lebo's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 17% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
5
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2017
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
3 Active
5 Health-based
6 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Apr 2008 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2016
Jun 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2006
May 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1991
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Coffey County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.4 ppb from 2007 (1.1 ppb) to 2025 (2.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
883
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lebo's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Lebo'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 883 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lebo

Lebo is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Melvern Lk Nr Melvern
lake
Neosho R
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lebo

System Name PWSID Population Source
LEBO, CITY OF KS2003104 883 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Lebo compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Lebo's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Lebo (this city)
86.7
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Lebo, KS

Wikipedia →

Lebo is a city in Coffey County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 885.

Economic Profile
$66,250
Median Income
$124,122
Median Home Value
$708/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
40.7
Median Age
336
People / sq mi
27%
College Educated
88.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lebo, KS tap water safe to drink?

Lebo's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Lebo's water?

Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is Lebo'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 Lebo?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lebo's water come from?

Lebo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 883 residents.

What health violations has Lebo's water system had?

Lebo has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

How does Lebo's water compare to other cities?

Lebo ranks #47 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 85% of state cities) and #4552 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Lebo's small water system affect quality?

Lebo's system serves approximately 883 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.