Elkhart, KS Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households in Elkhart, KS water data shows a consistently above-average safety picture.
How Elkhart Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Elkhart Water
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.46 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Elkhart
The structure of water supply in Elkhart, KS is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Elkhart, Kansas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,786 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elkhart — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elkhart: B (83/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Elkhart water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67950 | B | City of Elkhart, | 1,884 |
All ZIP Codes in Elkhart
- 67950 [B]
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Elkhart
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Elkhart
With 84% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Elkhart's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1961 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Elkhart were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Elkhart Homeowners
At current valuations, Elkhart sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Elkhart are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 34% below the Kansas average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Elkhart
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older stock in Elkhart represents 84% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Elkhart, KS