Is Wakeeney, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Wakeeney, KS — Water Quality Report
Wakeeney's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,290 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wakeeney's water
Wakeeney ranks #120 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wakeeney 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, Wakeeney may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wakeeney, KS water safe to drink?
Wakeeney's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,290 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wakeeney
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wakeeney's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Wakeeney's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wakeeney's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Trego County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 Saline R Nr Wakeeney.
Where does Wakeeney's water come from?
Wakeeney's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,290 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Saline R Nr Wakeeney (river).
What Wakeeney residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wakeeney'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTrego 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
Trego County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wakeeney compares by contaminant
Explore where Wakeeney ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wakeeney's water comes from
Wakeeney'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 3,290 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Wakeeney
Wakeeney is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wakeeney
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAKEENEY, CITY OF | KS2019501 | 1,790 | GW |
| TREGO CO RWD 2 | KS2019504 | 1,500 | GW |
How Wakeeney compares
Full Kansas rankings →Wakeeney's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Wakeeney, KS
Wikipedia →WaKeeney is a city in and the county seat of Trego County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,799.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wakeeney's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Trego
Frequently asked questions
Is Wakeeney, KS tap water safe to drink?
Wakeeney's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #120 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Wakeeney's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Wakeeney'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 Wakeeney?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wakeeney's water come from?
Wakeeney's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,290 residents.
Is Wakeeney's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wakeeney 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 Wakeeney's water compare to other cities?
Wakeeney ranks #120 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 63% of state cities) and #6688 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.