Is Rantoul, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Rantoul, KS — Water Quality Report
Rantoul's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,128 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 42 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rantoul's water
Rantoul ranks #150 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.
As a small community water system, Rantoul may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rantoul, KS water safe to drink?
Rantoul's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,128 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rantoul
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rantoul's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Rantoul's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rantoul's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were 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 Pottawatomie C.
Where does Rantoul's water come from?
Rantoul's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,128 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Pottawatomie C (river).
What Rantoul residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rantoul'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.
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 Rantoul
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rantoul, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN PAOLA, KS66071 | — | — | 9.9 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rantoul compares by contaminant
Explore where Rantoul ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rantoul's water comes from
Rantoul'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 3,128 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rantoul
Rantoul is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rantoul
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKLIN CO RWD 6 | KS2005909 | 2,960 | SW |
| RANTOUL, CITY OF | KS2005902 | 168 | SWP |
How Rantoul compares
Full Kansas rankings →Rantoul's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Rantoul, KS
Wikipedia →Rantoul is a city in Franklin County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 165.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rantoul's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Rantoul, KS tap water safe to drink?
Rantoul's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #150 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Rantoul's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Rantoul'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 Rantoul?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rantoul's water come from?
Rantoul's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,128 residents.
What health violations has Rantoul's water system had?
Rantoul has 25 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rantoul's water compare to other cities?
Rantoul ranks #150 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 54% of state cities) and #7507 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.