Is Quenemo, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.4/100
waterverge.com Quenemo, KS — Water Quality Report
Quenemo's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 507 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.5 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 42 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quenemo's water
Quenemo ranks #267 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Quenemo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quenemo, KS water safe to drink?
Quenemo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 507 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quenemo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quenemo's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.4/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Quenemo'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
Quenemo's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Osage County has experienced 3 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 Quenemo's water come from?
Quenemo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 507 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 Quenemo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quenemo'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Quenemo'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
Flood & disaster history
Osage County has experienced 3 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 Quenemo'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. | 7.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Quenemo compares by contaminant
Explore where Quenemo ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quenemo's water comes from
Quenemo'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 507 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Quenemo
Quenemo 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 Quenemo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUENEMO, CITY OF | KS2013913 | 287 | SWP |
| OSAGE CO RWD 2 | KS2013912 | 220 | GW |
How Quenemo compares
Full Kansas rankings →Quenemo's score of 65.4/100 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 Quenemo, KS
Wikipedia →Quenemo is a city in Osage County, Kansas, United States, along the Marais des Cygnes River. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 288.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quenemo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Osage
Frequently asked questions
Is Quenemo, KS tap water safe to drink?
Quenemo's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #267 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Quenemo's water?
Lead was measured at 7.5 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Quenemo'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 Quenemo?
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 Quenemo's water come from?
Quenemo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 507 residents.
What health violations has Quenemo's water system had?
Quenemo has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Quenemo's water compare to other cities?
Quenemo ranks #267 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 17% of state cities) and #11520 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.