Is Oxford, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.4/100
waterverge.com Oxford, KS — Water Quality Report
Oxford's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,346 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oxford's water
Oxford ranks #96 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, Oxford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oxford, KS water safe to drink?
Oxford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,346 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oxford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oxford's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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 Oxford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oxford's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sumner 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 Arkansas R On Hwy 160.
Where does Oxford's water come from?
Oxford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,346 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas R On Hwy 160 (river).
What Oxford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oxford'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.
Oxford'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 Oxford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oxford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KANSAS CASTINGS BELLE PLAINE, KS67013 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSumner 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
Sumner 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oxford compares by contaminant
Explore where Oxford ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oxford's water comes from
Oxford'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 1,346 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Oxford
Oxford 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 Oxford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXFORD, CITY OF | KS2019111 | 1,048 | SWP |
| SUMNER CO RWD 6 | KS2019110 | 298 | GWP |
How Oxford compares
Full Kansas rankings →Oxford's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Oxford, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oxford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sumner
Frequently asked questions
Is Oxford, KS tap water safe to drink?
Oxford's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Oxford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Oxford'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 Oxford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oxford's water come from?
Oxford's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,346 residents.
How does Oxford's water compare to other cities?
Oxford ranks #96 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 70% of state cities) and #5927 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.