WaterVerge

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 ↓

581 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KS2012703
Overall Score
87 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#38 of 323 in Kansas Top 28% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is White City, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

6
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for White City

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

RPTMROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Dec 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2017 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2005 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

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.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1000
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-378

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White City's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

21
Total violations
14
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

21 Total
6 Active
14 Health-based
15 Resolved
Violations by category
Nitrate Rule
14
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2010
Apr 2005 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
Jul 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2003
Jan 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2003
Jul 2002 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2002
Apr 2002 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2002
Jan 1998 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1998
Jul 1996 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1996
Jan 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1995
Dec 1987 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1988
Sep 1987 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1987
Oct 1982 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1983
Oct 1981 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1982
Mar 1981 Resolved
Nitrate
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1982
Showing 20 of 21 violations
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
HODGDON POWDER CO HERINGTON FACILITY
Chemicals · HODGDON POWDER CO
HERINGTON, KS67449
8.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1000
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.4 ppb from 2004 (3.7 ppb) to 2023 (1.3 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how White City compares by contaminant

Explore where White City ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
581
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where White City's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Neosho R Nr Parkerville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving White City

System Name PWSID Population Source
WHITE CITY, CITY OF KS2012703 581 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

White City (this city)
87
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$47,738
Median Income
$74,518
Median Home Value
$1,086/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
48.4
Median Age
161
People / sq mi
6.7%
College Educated
74.8%
Homeownership
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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.