WaterVerge

Is Solomon, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

993 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KS2004105
Overall Score
82.1 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#132 of 323 in Kansas Top 46% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
82.1/100
waterverge.com
B+ 82.1/100

Solomon, KS — Water Quality Report

Solomon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 993 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.4 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 22 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Solomon's water

Solomon ranks #132 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Solomon 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.

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, Solomon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
82.1 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Solomon, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Solomon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 993 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
5.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Solomon

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Solomon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation 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-1000). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.4 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.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.50 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Solomon's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Feb 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Feb 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Dec 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2015 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2014 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Dickinson 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, Solomon R, Mud C Nr Talmage.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1000
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

Where does Solomon's water come from?

Solomon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 993 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Smoky Hill R (river), Solomon R (river), Mud C Nr Talmage (river).

What Solomon residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Solomon'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
5.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 36% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.50 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +15% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

22
Total violations
2
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Feb 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

22 Total
6 Active
2 Health-based
16 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
10
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Ground Water Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 1999 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2025 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2025
Feb 2025 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2025
Jul 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2014
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2004 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Showing 20 of 22 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Solomon

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Solomon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ADM ANIMAL NUTRITION
Food · ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO
ABILENE, KS67410
7.3 mi
GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING INC. ABILENE
Machinery · KUBOTA NORTH AMERICA CORP
ABILENE, KS67410
7.5 mi
ABILENE WEST
Machinery · KUBOTA NORTH AMERICA CORP
ABILENE, KS67410
6.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Dickinson 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1000
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.4 ppb
Read our guide →
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.50 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
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 (2.1 ppb) to 2026 (5.4 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.100 mg/L from 2006 (1.400 mg/L) to 2016 (1.500 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
993
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Solomon's water comes from

Groundwater

Solomon'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 993 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Solomon

Solomon is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Smoky Hill R
river
Solomon R
river
Mud C Nr Talmage
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Solomon

System Name PWSID Population Source
SOLOMON, CITY OF KS2004105 993 GW
Regional Comparison

How Solomon compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Solomon's score of 82.1/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Solomon (this city)
82.1
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Solomon, KS

Economic Profile
$72,750
Median Income
$122,767
Median Home Value
$695/mo
Median Rent
2.6%
Unemployment
Community
36.3
Median Age
484
People / sq mi
13.6%
College Educated
78.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Solomon, KS tap water safe to drink?

Solomon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #132 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Solomon's water?

Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.

How is Solomon'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 Solomon?

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 Solomon's water come from?

Solomon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 993 residents.

What health violations has Solomon's water system had?

Solomon has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Solomon's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Solomon 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 22 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 Solomon's water compare to other cities?

Solomon ranks #132 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 59% of state cities) and #7175 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.

Does Solomon's small water system affect quality?

Solomon's system serves approximately 993 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 22 violations on record.