Is Sedan, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Sedan, KS — Water Quality Report
Sedan's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,816 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 134 violations on record, including 73 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sedan's water
Sedan ranks #311 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Sedan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sedan, KS water safe to drink?
Sedan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,816 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sedan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sedan's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
4 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sedan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sedan's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 73 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chautauqua County has experienced 3 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 Caney R Nr Elgin.
Where does Sedan's water come from?
Sedan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,816 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Caney R Nr Elgin (river).
What Sedan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sedan'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.
Sedan'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtChautauqua County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Chautauqua County has experienced 3 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sedan compares by contaminant
Explore where Sedan ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sedan's water comes from
Sedan'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 1,816 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Sedan
Sedan 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 Sedan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEDAN, CITY OF | KS2001903 | 1,005 | SWP |
| CHAUTAUQUA CO RWD 4 | KS2001911 | 475 | SWP |
| CHAUTAUQUA CO RWD 3 | KS2001909 | 200 | SWP |
| CHAUTAUQUA CO RWD 1 | KS2001905 | 135 | SWP |
| PUBLIC WHOLESALE WSD 20 | KS2001910 | 1 | SW |
How Sedan compares
Full Kansas rankings →Sedan's score of 46/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Sedan, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sedan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chautauqua
Frequently asked questions
Is Sedan, KS tap water safe to drink?
Sedan's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #311 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Sedan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Sedan'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 Sedan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sedan's water come from?
Sedan's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,816 residents.
What health violations has Sedan's water system had?
Sedan has 73 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. 30 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sedan's water compare to other cities?
Sedan ranks #311 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 4% of state cities) and #14028 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.