Is Strong City, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Strong City, KS — Water Quality Report
Strong City's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 785 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 17 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Strong City's water
Strong City ranks #13 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Strong City purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Strong City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Strong City, KS water safe to drink?
Strong City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 785 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Strong City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Strong City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Strong City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Strong City's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Chase County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Cottonwood R, Sf Cottonwood R Nr Bazaar.
Where does Strong City's water come from?
Strong City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 785 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cottonwood R (river), Sf Cottonwood R Nr Bazaar (river).
What Strong City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Strong City'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.
Strong City'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
Flood & disaster history
Chase County has experienced 3 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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Strong City compares by contaminant
Explore where Strong City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Strong City's water comes from
Strong City purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Strong City's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 785 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Strong City
Strong City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Strong City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRONG CITY, CITY OF | KS2001701 | 455 | GWP |
| CHASE CO RWD 1 | KS2001705 | 330 | GWP |
How Strong City compares
Full Kansas rankings →Strong City's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Strong City, KS
Wikipedia →Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. Originally known as Cottonwood Station, in 1881 it was renamed Strong City after William Barstow Strong, then vice-president and general manager, and later president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 386. It is located along U.S. Route 50 highway.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Strong City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chase
Frequently asked questions
Is Strong City, KS tap water safe to drink?
Strong City's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Strong City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Strong City'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 Strong City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Strong City's water come from?
Strong City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 785 residents.
What health violations has Strong City's water system had?
Strong City has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Strong City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Strong City 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 17 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 Strong City's water compare to other cities?
Strong City ranks #13 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 96% of state cities) and #2313 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.