Is Spearville, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Spearville, KS — Water Quality Report
Spearville's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 796 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 13 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spearville's water
Spearville ranks #81 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Spearville 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, Spearville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spearville, KS water safe to drink?
Spearville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 796 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spearville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spearville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spearville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Spearville's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ford County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Spearville's water come from?
Spearville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 796 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Spearville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spearville'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.
Spearville'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Spearville
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.
- WRIGHT GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFord County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Ford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Spearville compares by contaminant
Explore where Spearville ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spearville's water comes from
Spearville'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 796 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Spearville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPEARVILLE, CITY OF | KS2005712 | 796 | GW |
How Spearville compares
Full Kansas rankings →Spearville's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Spearville, KS
Wikipedia →Spearville is a city in Ford County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 791. It is located along Highway 50.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spearville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ford
Frequently asked questions
Is Spearville, KS tap water safe to drink?
Spearville's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Spearville's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Spearville'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 Spearville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spearville's water come from?
Spearville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 796 residents.
What health violations has Spearville's water system had?
Spearville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spearville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spearville 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 13 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 Spearville's water compare to other cities?
Spearville ranks #81 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 75% of state cities) and #5407 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Spearville's small water system affect quality?
Spearville's system serves approximately 796 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 13 violations on record.