Is Riverton, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Riverton, KS — Water Quality Report
Riverton's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,078 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 30 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Riverton's water
Riverton ranks #169 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Riverton 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, Riverton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Riverton, KS water safe to drink?
Riverton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,078 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Riverton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Riverton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Riverton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Riverton's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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 Tar Creek Near Commerce, Spring R Nr Baxter Springs, Spring River Near Quapaw, Beaver Creek Near Quapaw.
Where does Riverton's water come from?
Riverton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,078 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tar Creek Near Commerce (river), Spring R Nr Baxter Springs (river), Spring River Near Quapaw (river), Beaver Creek Near Quapaw (river).
What Riverton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Riverton'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.
Riverton'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Riverton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Riverton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JAYHAWK FINE CHEMICALS CORP GALENA, KS66739 | Nitric acid | 5 | 3.5 mi |
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO JOPLIN, MO64801 | Nickel | 0 | 8.4 mi |
PBI/GORDON CORP - JAYHAWK FACILITY CRESTLINE, KS66728 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
PLANT 5 - PORT-0811 - BAXTER SPRINGS BAXTER SPRINGS, KS66713 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
ATEC STEEL FABRICATION & CONSTRUCTION LLC BAXTER SPRINGS, KS66713 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Riverton
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.
- CHEROKEE COUNTY1.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Riverton compares by contaminant
Explore where Riverton ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Riverton's water comes from
Riverton'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 3,078 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Riverton
Riverton is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Riverton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEROKEE CO RWD 8 | KS2002121 | 1,235 | GW |
| CHEROKEE CO RWD 2 | KS2002106 | 943 | GW |
| CHEROKEE CO RWD 9 | KS2002120 | 900 | SWP |
How Riverton compares
Full Kansas rankings →Riverton's score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Riverton, KS
Wikipedia →Riverton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 771. It is located at the junction of K-66, U.S. Route 69 Alternate, and US 400, near the Spring River. Baxter Springs is considered part of the Joplin, Missouri, metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Riverton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverton, KS tap water safe to drink?
Riverton's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #169 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Riverton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Riverton'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 Riverton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Riverton's water come from?
Riverton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,078 residents.
Is Riverton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Riverton 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 30 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 Riverton's water compare to other cities?
Riverton ranks #169 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 48% of state cities) and #8187 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.