Is White City, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87/100
White City, KS — Water Quality Report
White City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 581 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 21 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about White City's water
White City ranks #38 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
White City 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, White City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White City, KS water safe to drink?
White City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 581 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
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 White City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
White City's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morris County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Neosho R Nr Parkerville.
Where does White City's water come from?
White City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 581 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Neosho R Nr Parkerville (river).
What White City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White 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.
White 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of White City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near White City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HODGDON POWDER CO HERINGTON FACILITY HERINGTON, KS67449 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of White City
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.
- TRI COUNTY PUBLIC AIRPORT7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Morris County has experienced 3 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how White City compares by contaminant
Explore where White City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White City's water comes from
White City'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 581 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near White City
White City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving White City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE CITY, CITY OF | KS2012703 | 581 | GW |
How White City compares
Full Kansas rankings →White City's score of 87/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About White City, KS
Wikipedia →White City is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 447.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morris
Frequently asked questions
Is White City, KS tap water safe to drink?
White City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in White City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is White 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 White City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White City's water come from?
White City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 581 residents.
What health violations has White City's water system had?
White City has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is White City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White 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 21 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 White City's water compare to other cities?
White City ranks #38 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 88% of state cities) and #4359 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does White City's small water system affect quality?
White City's system serves approximately 581 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 21 violations on record.