Is Towanda, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Towanda, KS — Water Quality Report
Towanda's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,445 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 16 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Towanda's water
Towanda ranks #152 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Towanda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Towanda, KS water safe to drink?
Towanda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,445 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Towanda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Towanda's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-588). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Towanda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Towanda's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Butler County has experienced 5 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 Whitewater R.
Where does Towanda's water come from?
Towanda's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,445 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Whitewater R (river).
What Towanda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Towanda'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.
Towanda'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 Towanda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Towanda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,019 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HF SINCLAIR EL DORADO REFINING LLC EL DORADO, KS67042 | Ammonia | 1,019 | 6.9 mi |
INTERNATIONAL COLD STORAGE ANDOVER, KS67002 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO ANDOVER, KS67002 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
D-J ENGINEERING AUGUSTA, KS67010 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
VALMONT NEWMARK EL DORADO, KS67042 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Towanda
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.
- PESTER REFINERY CO8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Butler County has experienced 5 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Towanda compares by contaminant
Explore where Towanda ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Towanda's water comes from
Towanda'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 1,445 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Towanda
Towanda 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 Towanda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWANDA, CITY OF | KS2001524 | 1,445 | SWP |
How Towanda compares
Full Kansas rankings →Towanda's score of 81.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Towanda, KS
Wikipedia →Towanda is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,447.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Towanda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is Towanda, KS tap water safe to drink?
Towanda's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #152 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Towanda's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Towanda'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 Towanda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Towanda's water come from?
Towanda's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,445 residents.
What health violations has Towanda's water system had?
Towanda has 2 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Towanda's water compare to other cities?
Towanda ranks #152 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 53% of state cities) and #7567 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Towanda's small water system affect quality?
Towanda's system serves approximately 1,445 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 16 violations on record.