Is North Newton, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com North Newton, KS — Water Quality Report
North Newton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,829 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Newton's water
North Newton ranks #67 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
North Newton 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, North Newton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Newton, KS water safe to drink?
North Newton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,829 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Newton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Newton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 North Newton'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
North Newton's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Harvey 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 Emma C.
Where does North Newton's water come from?
North Newton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,829 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Emma C (river).
What North Newton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Newton'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.
North Newton'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 North Newton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Newton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AGCO CORP HESSTON, KS67062 | Nickel | 4 | 6.7 mi |
VOESTALPINE RAILWAY SYSTEMS NORTRAK INC. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
FULL VISION INC. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
FUTURE FOAM INC. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
PARK AEROSPACE CORP. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHarvey County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Harvey 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 North Newton'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Newton compares by contaminant
Explore where North Newton ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Newton's water comes from
North Newton'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 1,829 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Newton
North Newton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Newton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH NEWTON, CITY OF | KS2007906 | 1,829 | GW |
How North Newton compares
Full Kansas rankings →North Newton's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About North Newton, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Newton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harvey
Frequently asked questions
Is North Newton, KS tap water safe to drink?
North Newton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #67 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in North Newton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is North Newton'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 North Newton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Newton's water come from?
North Newton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,829 residents.
Is North Newton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Newton 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 15 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 North Newton's water compare to other cities?
North Newton ranks #67 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 79% of state cities) and #5164 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Newton's small water system affect quality?
North Newton's system serves approximately 1,829 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 15 violations on record.