Is Plains, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Plains, KS — Water Quality Report
Plains's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,023 residents using groundwater.
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 11 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Plains's water
Plains ranks #33 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Plains 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, Plains may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plains, KS water safe to drink?
Plains's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,023 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plains
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plains's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-378). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plains's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Plains's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Meade County has experienced 2 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.
Where does Plains's water come from?
Plains's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Plains residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plains'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 droughtMeade 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
Meade County has experienced 2 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 Plains compares by contaminant
Explore where Plains ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plains's water comes from
Plains'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 1,023 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Plains
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAINS, CITY OF | KS2011903 | 1,023 | GW |
How Plains compares
Full Kansas rankings →Plains's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Plains, KS
Wikipedia →Plains is a city in Meade County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,037. It is located along U.S. Route 54 highway. Plains is notable for the width of its main street, which is the widest in the United States at 155 feet 5 inches (47.37 m) across.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plains's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Meade
Frequently asked questions
Is Plains, KS tap water safe to drink?
Plains's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Plains's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Plains'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 Plains?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plains's water come from?
Plains's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 residents.
What health violations has Plains's water system had?
Plains has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Plains's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plains 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 11 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 Plains's water compare to other cities?
Plains ranks #33 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 90% of state cities) and #3963 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Plains's small water system affect quality?
Plains's system serves approximately 1,023 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 11 violations on record.