Is Scammon, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Scammon, KS — Water Quality Report
Scammon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,870 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 10 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scammon's water
Scammon ranks #135 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Scammon 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, Scammon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scammon, KS water safe to drink?
Scammon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,870 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Scammon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scammon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Scammon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scammon's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Spring R Nr Baxter Springs.
Where does Scammon's water come from?
Scammon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,870 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Spring R Nr Baxter Springs (river).
What Scammon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scammon'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.
Scammon'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 Scammon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scammon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BUTTERBALL LLC COLUMBUS, KS66725 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
HECKERT CONSTRUCTION CO INC. PITTSBURG, KS66762 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Scammon
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 ZINC WEIR SMELTER3.7 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Scammon compares by contaminant
Explore where Scammon ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scammon's water comes from
Scammon'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 1,870 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Scammon
Scammon is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Scammon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEROKEE CO RWD 4 | KS2002102 | 1,500 | GW |
| SCAMMON, CITY OF | KS2002101 | 370 | GW |
How Scammon compares
Full Kansas rankings →Scammon's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Scammon, KS
Wikipedia →Columbus is the second largest city in and the county seat of Cherokee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 2,929. It is located approximately 15 miles south-southwest of Pittsburg.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scammon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Scammon, KS tap water safe to drink?
Scammon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #135 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Scammon's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Scammon'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 Scammon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scammon's water come from?
Scammon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,870 residents.
What health violations has Scammon's water system had?
Scammon has 3 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Scammon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Scammon 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 10 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 Scammon's water compare to other cities?
Scammon ranks #135 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 58% of state cities) and #7258 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.