Is Oberlin, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.4/100
waterverge.com Oberlin, KS — Water Quality Report
Oberlin's drinking water received a grade of B (76.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,639 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 80 violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oberlin's water
Oberlin ranks #204 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Oberlin 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, Oberlin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oberlin, KS water safe to drink?
Oberlin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oberlin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oberlin's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Oberlin'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
Oberlin's water system has 80 total violations on record, including 64 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Decatur 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.
Where does Oberlin's water come from?
Oberlin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oberlin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oberlin'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDecatur County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Decatur 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oberlin'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.95 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.946 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Oberlin compares by contaminant
Explore where Oberlin ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oberlin's water comes from
Oberlin'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 1,639 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Oberlin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBERLIN, CITY OF | KS2003903 | 1,639 | GW |
How Oberlin compares
Full Kansas rankings →Oberlin's score of 76.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Oberlin, KS
Wikipedia →Oberlin is a city in and the county seat of Decatur County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 1,644.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oberlin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Decatur
Frequently asked questions
Is Oberlin, KS tap water safe to drink?
Oberlin's water quality earned a grade of B (76.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #204 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Oberlin's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 80 violations are on record.
How is Oberlin'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 Oberlin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oberlin's water come from?
Oberlin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,639 residents.
What health violations has Oberlin's water system had?
Oberlin has 64 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oberlin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oberlin 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 80 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 Oberlin's water compare to other cities?
Oberlin ranks #204 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 37% of state cities) and #9309 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oberlin's small water system affect quality?
Oberlin's system serves approximately 1,639 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 80 violations on record.