Is Pretty Prairie, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.6/100
waterverge.com Pretty Prairie, KS — Water Quality Report
Pretty Prairie's drinking water received a grade of C (64.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 655 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 124 violations on record, including 88 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pretty Prairie's water
Pretty Prairie ranks #270 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pretty Prairie 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, Pretty Prairie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pretty Prairie, KS water safe to drink?
Pretty Prairie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 655 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pretty Prairie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pretty Prairie's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Pretty Prairie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pretty Prairie's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 88 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Reno County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Ninnescah R Ab Cheney Re.
Where does Pretty Prairie's water come from?
Pretty Prairie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 655 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 Ninnescah R Ab Cheney Re (river).
What Pretty Prairie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pretty Prairie'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.
Pretty Prairie'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtReno 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
Reno County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pretty Prairie compares by contaminant
Explore where Pretty Prairie ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pretty Prairie's water comes from
Pretty Prairie'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 655 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pretty Prairie
Pretty Prairie is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pretty Prairie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRETTY PRAIRIE, CITY OF | KS2015501 | 655 | GW |
How Pretty Prairie compares
Full Kansas rankings →Pretty Prairie's score of 64.6/100 is on par with the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Pretty Prairie, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pretty Prairie's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Pretty Prairie, KS tap water safe to drink?
Pretty Prairie's water quality earned a grade of C (64.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #270 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Pretty Prairie's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.
How is Pretty Prairie'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 Pretty Prairie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pretty Prairie's water come from?
Pretty Prairie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 655 residents.
What health violations has Pretty Prairie's water system had?
Pretty Prairie has 88 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. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pretty Prairie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pretty Prairie 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 124 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 Pretty Prairie's water compare to other cities?
Pretty Prairie ranks #270 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 16% of state cities) and #11640 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pretty Prairie's small water system affect quality?
Pretty Prairie's system serves approximately 655 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 124 violations on record.