Is Marion, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com Marion, KS — Water Quality Report
Marion's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,311 residents using surface water.
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 76 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marion's water
Marion ranks #156 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Marion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marion, KS water safe to drink?
Marion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,311 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marion's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: Bromate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Bromate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Marion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marion's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion County has experienced 4 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 N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk, Cottonwood R, Cottonwood R Nr Florence.
Where does Marion's water come from?
Marion's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,311 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include N Cottonwood R Bl Marion Lk (river), Cottonwood R (river), Cottonwood R Nr Florence (river).
What Marion residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marion'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.
Marion'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Marion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FLINT HILLS INDUSTRIES DBA HILLSBORO IND HILLSBORO, KS67063 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMarion County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Marion County has experienced 4 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 Marion compares by contaminant
Explore where Marion ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marion's water comes from
Marion'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 2,311 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Marion
Marion is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Marion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARION, CITY OF | KS2011507 | 1,902 | SW |
| MARION CO IMPROVEMENT DIST 2 | KS2011512 | 234 | SWP |
| MARION CO RWD 2 | KS2011508 | 175 | GWP |
How Marion compares
Full Kansas rankings →Marion's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Marion, KS
Wikipedia →Marion is a city in and the county seat of Marion County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,922. The city was named in honor of Francis Marion, a brigadier general of the American Revolutionary War, known as the "Swamp Fox".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Marion, KS tap water safe to drink?
Marion's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #156 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Marion's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.
How is Marion'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 Marion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marion's water come from?
Marion's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,311 residents.
What health violations has Marion's water system had?
Marion has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Marion's water compare to other cities?
Marion ranks #156 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 52% of state cities) and #7667 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.