Is Pomona, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
Pomona, KS — Water Quality Report
Pomona's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 890 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Pomona's water
Pomona ranks #115 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pomona may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pomona, KS water safe to drink?
Pomona's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 890 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pomona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pomona's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Pomona's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Pomona's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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. Local water sources include Pomona Lk Nr Quenemo, Hundred And Ten Mile C Nr Quenemo, Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Pomona.
Where does Pomona's water come from?
Pomona's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 890 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pomona Lk Nr Quenemo (lake), Hundred And Ten Mile C Nr Quenemo (river), Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Pomona (river).
What Pomona 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Pomona
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pomona, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LTA II MANUFACTURING LLC OTTAWA, KS66067 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Franklin 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pomona'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. | 8.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pomona compares by contaminant
Explore where Pomona ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pomona's water comes from
Pomona'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 890 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pomona
Pomona is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pomona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POMONA, CITY OF | KS2005907 | 890 | SWP |
How Pomona compares
Full Kansas rankings →Pomona's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Pomona, KS
Wikipedia →Pomona is a city in Franklin County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 884.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pomona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Pomona, KS tap water safe to drink?
Pomona's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Pomona's water?
Lead was measured at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Pomona'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 Pomona?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pomona's water come from?
Pomona's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 890 residents.
What health violations has Pomona's water system had?
Pomona has 2 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Pomona's water compare to other cities?
Pomona ranks #115 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 64% of state cities) and #6561 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pomona's small water system affect quality?
Pomona's system serves approximately 890 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 3 violations on record.