Is Mount Hope, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com Mount Hope, KS — Water Quality Report
Mount Hope's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 783 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Hope's water
Mount Hope ranks #159 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mount Hope 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mount Hope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Hope, KS water safe to drink?
Mount Hope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 783 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Mount Hope's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Mount Hope's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sedgwick 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 Arkansas R Nr Hutchinson, Cheney Re Nr Cheney.
Where does Mount Hope's water come from?
Mount Hope's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 783 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas R Nr Hutchinson (river), Cheney Re Nr Cheney (lake).
What Mount Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Hope'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mount Hope'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 Mount Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ICM INC COLWICH, KS67030 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
CARDINAL COLWICH LLC COLWICH, KS67030 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
HAVEN STEEL PRODUCTS INC. HAVEN, KS67543 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSedgwick 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
Sedgwick 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Hope'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Hope ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Hope's water comes from
Mount Hope'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 783 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mount Hope
Mount Hope is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mount Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT HOPE, CITY OF | KS2017319 | 783 | GW |
How Mount Hope compares
Full Kansas rankings →Mount Hope's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Mount Hope, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sedgwick
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Hope, KS tap water safe to drink?
Mount Hope's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #159 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Mount Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Mount Hope'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 Mount Hope?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Hope's water come from?
Mount Hope's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 783 residents.
Is Mount Hope's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mount Hope 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 7 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 Mount Hope's water compare to other cities?
Mount Hope ranks #159 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 51% of state cities) and #7728 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.
Does Mount Hope's small water system affect quality?
Mount Hope's system serves approximately 783 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 7 violations on record.