Is Smolan, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Smolan, KS — Water Quality Report
Smolan's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 936 residents using purchased surface water.
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 18 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Smolan's water
Smolan ranks #46 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Smolan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Smolan, KS water safe to drink?
Smolan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 936 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Smolan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smolan's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Smolan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Smolan's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Saline 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 Smoky Hill R, Smoky Hill R Nr Mentor.
Where does Smolan's water come from?
Smolan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 936 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Smoky Hill R (river), Smoky Hill R Nr Mentor (river).
What Smolan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Smolan'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.
Smolan'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 Smolan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smolan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STRYTEN SALINA LLC SALINA, KS67401 | Lead compounds | 1 | 4.8 mi |
CRESTWOOD INC SALINA, KS67401 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING INC SALINA COMPLEX SALINA, KS67401 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
VORTEX FAB SALINA, KS67401 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
MCSHARES INC. SALINA, KS67401 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSaline 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
Saline 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Smolan compares by contaminant
Explore where Smolan ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smolan's water comes from
Smolan'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 936 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Smolan
Smolan is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Smolan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALINE CO RWD 3 | KS2016912 | 936 | SWP |
How Smolan compares
Full Kansas rankings →Smolan's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Smolan, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smolan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saline
Frequently asked questions
Is Smolan, KS tap water safe to drink?
Smolan's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #46 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Smolan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Smolan'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 Smolan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smolan's water come from?
Smolan's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 936 residents.
How does Smolan's water compare to other cities?
Smolan ranks #46 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 86% of state cities) and #4549 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Smolan's small water system affect quality?
Smolan's system serves approximately 936 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 18 violations on record.