Water Quality in Baxter Springs, KS: 13 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Baxter Springs's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Baxter Springs, KS holds 13 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Baxter Springs
Water quality varies across Baxter Springs's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66713 | C | 68 | 13 | 7 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Baxter Springs.
Water Quality Overview
Baxter Springs, Kansas receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Baxter Springs have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 7 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,752 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Baxter Springs's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Baxter Springs water systems is 0.0032 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Baxter Springs 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
Baxter Springs is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Baxter Springs
Baxter Springs is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,752 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
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Baxter Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Baxter Springs
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 Baxter Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Baxter Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Baxter Springs:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Baxter Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-20 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-30.
Baxter Springs vs. Nearby Kansas Cities
How Baxter Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in Kansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter Springs | C | 13 | 2 | 5,752 |
| Beloit | D | 55 | 3 | 5,800 |
| Bucyrus | D | 0 | 1 | 5,694 |
| Spring Hill | C | 3 | 1 | 5,694 |
Common Questions About Baxter Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Baxter Springs, Kansas:
Is Baxter Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Baxter Springs's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Baxter Springs tap water? Baxter Springs's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 7 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Baxter Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Baxter Springs vs. Kansas Average
Understanding how Baxter Springs 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 Baxter Springs.
ZIP Codes in Baxter Springs
Baxter Springs spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 66713. 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.