Water Quality in Alta Vista, KS: 2 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 79/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Alta Vista's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Alta Vista, KS has 2 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alta Vista
Water quality varies across Alta Vista's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66834 | B | 79 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Alta Vista, Kansas receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 79 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Alta Vista have accumulated 2 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 422 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Alta Vista's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Alta Vista water systems is 0.0007 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Alta Vista has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Alta Vista is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Alta Vista
Alta Vista is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 422 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Alta Vista
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Alta Vista Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Alta Vista's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Alta Vista vs. Nearby Kansas Cities
How Alta Vista's water quality compares to similar cities in Kansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | B | 2 | 1 | 422 |
| Potwin | B | 6 | 1 | 424 |
| Arlington | B | 3 | 1 | 431 |
| Franklin | D | 0 | 1 | 411 |
Common Questions About Alta Vista Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alta Vista, Kansas:
Is Alta Vista water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alta Vista's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alta Vista tap water? Alta Vista's water receives a grade of B (79/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Alta Vista? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alta Vista vs. Kansas Average
Understanding how Alta Vista compares to the broader Kansas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Alta Vista.
ZIP Codes in Alta Vista
Alta Vista spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 66834. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.