WaterVerge

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 ↓

890 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KS2005907
Overall Score
83.2 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#115 of 323 in Kansas Top 42% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.2/100
waterverge.com
B+ 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.2 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Pomona, KS water safe to drink?

Use Caution

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).

1
Active Violations
8.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Pomona

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pomona's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 8.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

RPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jan 2017 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2016 TTHM Resolved

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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
8.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 54% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
2
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
1 Active
2 Health-based
2 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
1
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2016
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LTA II MANUFACTURING LLC
Transportation Equipment · NA
OTTAWA, KS66067
9.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Pomona's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 8.1 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 8.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 5.5 ppb from 2007 (2.6 ppb) to 2023 (8.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
890
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Pomona's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Pomona Lk Nr Quenemo
lake
Hundred And Ten Mile C Nr Quenemo
river
Marais Des Cygnes R Nr Pomona
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Pomona

System Name PWSID Population Source
POMONA, CITY OF KS2005907 890 SWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Pomona (this city)
83.2
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$60,476
Median Income
$99,056
Median Home Value
$910/mo
Median Rent
5%
Unemployment
Community
36.4
Median Age
476
People / sq mi
11.4%
College Educated
72.8%
Homeownership
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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.