Is Riley, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Riley, KS — Water Quality Report
Riley's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 977 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riley's water
Riley ranks #58 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Riley 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, Riley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riley, KS water safe to drink?
Riley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 977 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Riley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Atrazine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Riley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riley's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Riley County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Wildcat C.
Where does Riley's water come from?
Riley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 977 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wildcat C (river).
What Riley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riley'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Riley
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORT RILEY7.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Riley County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Riley compares by contaminant
Explore where Riley ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riley's water comes from
Riley'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 977 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Riley
Riley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Riley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RILEY, CITY OF | KS2016124 | 977 | GW |
How Riley compares
Full Kansas rankings →Riley's score of 86.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Riley, KS
Wikipedia →Riley is a city in Riley County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 938.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Riley
Frequently asked questions
Is Riley, KS tap water safe to drink?
Riley's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #58 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Riley's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Riley'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 Riley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riley's water come from?
Riley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 977 residents.
Is Riley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Riley 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 6 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 Riley's water compare to other cities?
Riley ranks #58 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 82% of state cities) and #4940 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Riley's small water system affect quality?
Riley's system serves approximately 977 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 6 violations on record.