Is Valley Falls, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
waterverge.com Valley Falls, KS — Water Quality Report
Valley Falls's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,521 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 63 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Valley Falls's water
Valley Falls ranks #210 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Valley Falls 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Valley Falls, KS water safe to drink?
Valley Falls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,521 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Valley Falls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley Falls's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Valley Falls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Valley Falls's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Valley Falls's water come from?
Valley Falls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,521 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Valley Falls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Valley Falls'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.
Valley Falls'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
Jefferson County has experienced 4 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Valley Falls compares by contaminant
Explore where Valley Falls ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Valley Falls's water comes from
Valley Falls'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 3,521 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Valley Falls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFERSON CO RWD 3 | KS2008708 | 2,435 | GW |
| VALLEY FALLS, CITY OF | KS2008710 | 1,086 | SW |
How Valley Falls compares
Full Kansas rankings →Valley Falls's score of 75.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Valley Falls, KS
Wikipedia →Valley Falls is a city in Jefferson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,092.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Valley Falls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Valley Falls, KS tap water safe to drink?
Valley Falls's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #210 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Valley Falls's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Valley Falls'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 Valley Falls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Valley Falls's water come from?
Valley Falls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,521 residents.
What health violations has Valley Falls's water system had?
Valley Falls has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Valley Falls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Valley Falls 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 63 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 Valley Falls's water compare to other cities?
Valley Falls ranks #210 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 35% of state cities) and #9625 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.