WaterVerge

Is Rosalia, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: KS2001513
Overall Score
73.8 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#219 of 323 in Kansas Top 64% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
73.8/100
waterverge.com
B- 73.8/100

Rosalia, KS — Water Quality Report

Rosalia's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,495 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 6.2 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Rosalia's water

Rosalia ranks #219 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average 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, Rosalia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
73.8 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Rosalia, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Rosalia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,495 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

8
Active Violations
6.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Rosalia

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rosalia's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-588). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rosalia's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Rosalia's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMRMONOther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Butler County has experienced 5 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-588
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-514

Where does Rosalia's water come from?

Rosalia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,495 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Rosalia residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rosalia's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Rosalia'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
6.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 41% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
0
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
8 Active
0 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2010 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 1999 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2017
Oct 2008 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Oct 2008 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2009
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Butler County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1965. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jun 1979
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #588
Jul 1976
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #514
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378
Jun 1965
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #201

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Rosalia's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.2 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 3.3 ppb from 2004 (2.9 ppb) to 2025 (6.2 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,495
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Rosalia's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Rosalia'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 1,495 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Rosalia

System Name PWSID Population Source
BUTLER CO RWD 3 KS2001513 1,494 SWP
PUBLIC WHOLESALE WSD 8 KS2001532 1 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Rosalia compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Rosalia's score of 73.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Rosalia (this city)
73.8
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Rosalia, KS

Wikipedia →

Rosalia is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 149. It is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of El Dorado.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Rosalia, KS tap water safe to drink?

Rosalia's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #219 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Rosalia's water?

Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Rosalia'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 Rosalia?

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 Rosalia's water come from?

Rosalia's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,495 residents.

How does Rosalia's water compare to other cities?

Rosalia ranks #219 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 32% of state cities) and #10017 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.