Is Phillipsburg, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Phillipsburg, KS — Water Quality Report
Phillipsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,686 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Phillipsburg's water
Phillipsburg ranks #27 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Phillipsburg 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, Phillipsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Phillipsburg, KS water safe to drink?
Phillipsburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,686 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Phillipsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Phillipsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Phillipsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Phillipsburg's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Phillips 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. Local water sources include Nf Solomon R.
Where does Phillipsburg's water come from?
Phillipsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,686 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nf Solomon R (river).
What Phillipsburg residents can do
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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Phillipsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Phillipsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUMMIT SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS LLC DBA AMBER WAVE PHILLIPSBURG, KS67661 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPhillips 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
Phillips 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Phillipsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Phillipsburg ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Phillipsburg's water comes from
Phillipsburg'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 2,686 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Phillipsburg
Phillipsburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Phillipsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILLIPSBURG, CITY OF | KS2014706 | 2,254 | GW |
| PHILLIPS CO RWD 1 | KS2014709 | 432 | GW |
How Phillipsburg compares
Full Kansas rankings →Phillipsburg's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Phillipsburg, KS
Wikipedia →Phillipsburg is a city in and the county seat of Phillips County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 2,337.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Phillipsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Phillips
Frequently asked questions
Is Phillipsburg, KS tap water safe to drink?
Phillipsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Phillipsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Phillipsburg'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 Phillipsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Phillipsburg's water come from?
Phillipsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,686 residents.
What health violations has Phillipsburg's water system had?
Phillipsburg has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Phillipsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Phillipsburg 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 28 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 Phillipsburg's water compare to other cities?
Phillipsburg ranks #27 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 92% of state cities) and #3519 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.