Is Mound City, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.1/100
waterverge.com Mound City, KS — Water Quality Report
Mound City's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,790 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 113 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mound City's water
Mound City ranks #289 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.
As a small community water system, Mound City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mound City, KS water safe to drink?
Mound City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,790 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mound City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mound City's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chloramine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mound City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mound City's water system has 113 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Anderson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Pottawatomie C Nr Garnett.
Where does Mound City's water come from?
Mound City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,790 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pottawatomie C Nr Garnett (river).
What Mound City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mound City'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
Flood & disaster history
Anderson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mound City compares by contaminant
Explore where Mound City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mound City's water comes from
Mound City'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 2,790 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mound City
Mound City 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 Mound City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDERSON CO RWD 1C | KS2000311 | 2,112 | SWP |
| MOUND CITY, CITY OF | KS2010709 | 678 | SWP |
How Mound City compares
Full Kansas rankings →Mound City's score of 53.1/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Mound City, KS
Wikipedia →Garnett is a city in and the county seat of Anderson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 3,242.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mound City's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mound City, KS tap water safe to drink?
Mound City's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #289 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Mound City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 113 violations are on record.
How is Mound City'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 Mound City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mound City's water come from?
Mound City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,790 residents.
What health violations has Mound City's water system had?
Mound City has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mound City's water compare to other cities?
Mound City ranks #289 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 11% of state cities) and #12713 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.