Is Whitewater, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.8/100
waterverge.com Whitewater, KS — Water Quality Report
Whitewater's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,121 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 38 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitewater's water
Whitewater ranks #252 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Whitewater may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitewater, KS water safe to drink?
Whitewater's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,121 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Whitewater
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitewater's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Whitewater's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitewater's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 13 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.
Where does Whitewater's water come from?
Whitewater's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,121 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Whitewater residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitewater'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.
Whitewater'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 Whitewater
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitewater, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PARK AEROSPACE CORP. NEWTON, KS67114 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitewater compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitewater ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitewater's water comes from
Whitewater'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 2,121 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Whitewater
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTLER CO RWD 7 | KS2001531 | 1,455 | SWP |
| WHITEWATER, CITY OF | KS2001523 | 666 | SWP |
How Whitewater compares
Full Kansas rankings →Whitewater's score of 68.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Whitewater, KS
Wikipedia →Whitewater is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 661.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitewater's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitewater, KS tap water safe to drink?
Whitewater's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #252 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Whitewater's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Whitewater'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 Whitewater?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitewater's water come from?
Whitewater's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,121 residents.
What health violations has Whitewater's water system had?
Whitewater 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Whitewater's water compare to other cities?
Whitewater ranks #252 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 22% of state cities) and #11021 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.