Is Osage City, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Osage City, KS — Water Quality Report
Osage City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,239 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 26 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Osage City's water
Osage City ranks #61 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Osage City, KS water safe to drink?
Osage City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,239 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Osage City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Osage City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Osage City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Osage City's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osage County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Reading, Melvern Lk Nr Melvern, Marais Des Cygnes R, Salt C, Dragoon C Nr Burlingame.
Where does Osage City's water come from?
Osage City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,239 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Reading (river), Melvern Lk Nr Melvern (lake), Marais Des Cygnes R (river), Salt C (river), Dragoon C Nr Burlingame (river).
What Osage City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Osage 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.
Osage City'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
Flood & disaster history
Osage County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Osage City compares by contaminant
Explore where Osage City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Osage City's water comes from
Osage 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 4,239 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Osage City
Osage City is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Osage City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSAGE CITY, CITY OF | KS2013907 | 2,809 | SW |
| OSAGE CO RWD 7 | KS2013906 | 1,430 | SWP |
How Osage City compares
Full Kansas rankings →Osage City's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Osage City, KS
Wikipedia →Osage City is a city in Osage County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,861.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Osage City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osage
Frequently asked questions
Is Osage City, KS tap water safe to drink?
Osage City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #61 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Osage City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Osage 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 Osage City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Osage City's water come from?
Osage City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,239 residents.
What health violations has Osage City's water system had?
Osage City has 5 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Osage City's water compare to other cities?
Osage City ranks #61 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 81% of state cities) and #5024 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.