Is Neosho Rapids, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Neosho Rapids, KS — Water Quality Report
Neosho Rapids's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using purchased 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Neosho Rapids's water
Neosho Rapids ranks #108 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, Neosho Rapids may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Neosho Rapids, KS water safe to drink?
Neosho Rapids's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Neosho Rapids
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Neosho Rapids's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Neosho Rapids's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Neosho Rapids's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lyon County has experienced 5 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 Neosho R.
Where does Neosho Rapids's water come from?
Neosho Rapids's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neosho R (river).
What Neosho Rapids residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Neosho Rapids'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.
Neosho Rapids'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 Neosho Rapids
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Neosho Rapids, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUNGE N.A. (OPD WEST) INC. EMPORIA, KS66801 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
CAMSO MANUFACTURING USA LTD. (EMPORIA DIVISION) EMPORIA, KS66801 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lyon County has experienced 5 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 Neosho Rapids compares by contaminant
Explore where Neosho Rapids ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Neosho Rapids's water comes from
Neosho Rapids'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 980 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Neosho Rapids
Neosho Rapids 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 Neosho Rapids
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYON CO RWD 4 | KS2011110 | 980 | SWP |
How Neosho Rapids compares
Full Kansas rankings →Neosho Rapids's score of 83.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Neosho Rapids, KS
Wikipedia →Neosho Rapids is a city in Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 229.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Neosho Rapids's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lyon
Frequently asked questions
Is Neosho Rapids, KS tap water safe to drink?
Neosho Rapids's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Neosho Rapids's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Neosho Rapids'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 Neosho Rapids?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Neosho Rapids's water come from?
Neosho Rapids's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 980 residents.
How does Neosho Rapids's water compare to other cities?
Neosho Rapids ranks #108 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 67% of state cities) and #6307 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Neosho Rapids's small water system affect quality?
Neosho Rapids's system serves approximately 980 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.