Is Milford, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.8/100
waterverge.com Milford, KS — Water Quality Report
Milford's drinking water received a grade of C (61.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,518 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 100 violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Milford's water
Milford ranks #276 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Milford 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, Milford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milford, KS water safe to drink?
Milford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,518 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Milford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milford's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Milford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Milford's water system has 100 total violations on record, including 55 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Geary County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Milford Lake Nr Junction City, Republican R, Chapman C Nr Chapman, Kansas R, Milford Lake.
Where does Milford's water come from?
Milford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,518 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Milford Lake Nr Junction City (lake), Republican R (river), Chapman C Nr Chapman (river), Kansas R (river), Milford Lake (lake).
What Milford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Milford'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.
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 Milford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Milford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY FORT RILEY-GARRISON FORT RILEY, KS664425007 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Milford
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.
- FORT RILEY9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Geary County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Milford'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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.68 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.676 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Milford compares by contaminant
Explore where Milford ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milford's water comes from
Milford'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 1,518 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Milford
Milford is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Milford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEARY CO RWD 4 | KS2006105 | 1,005 | GW |
| MILFORD, CITY OF | KS2006109 | 400 | GWP |
| MILLER MOBILE HOME PARK | KS2006110 | 113 | GW |
How Milford compares
Full Kansas rankings →Milford's score of 61.8/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Milford, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Geary
Frequently asked questions
Is Milford, KS tap water safe to drink?
Milford's water quality earned a grade of C (61.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #276 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Milford's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 100 violations are on record.
How is Milford'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 Milford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Milford's water come from?
Milford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,518 residents.
What health violations has Milford's water system had?
Milford has 55 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Milford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Milford 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 100 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 Milford's water compare to other cities?
Milford ranks #276 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 15% of state cities) and #11956 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.