Waterville, KS: 3 Health Violations — 62/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drilling into federal monitoring figures for Waterville in KS, the pattern is middle-of-the-road — some utilities have documented MCL exceedances or treatment technique violations in recent years, while others have operated without a single flag, making the city's grade a genuine average rather than a rounded-down high.
How Waterville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Waterville Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 89% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.71 — above typical levels.
Waterville's Water Providers
Structurally, Waterville, KS's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Waterville, Kansas (population ~924), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,749 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waterville: C (62/100)
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
Waterville water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66548 | C | 5 | 3 | Washington Company Rwd 1 |
All ZIP Codes in Waterville
- 66548 [C] — 5 violations ⚠
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.
Waterville Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Waterville's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Waterville Infrastructure Age
With 89% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Waterville's housing stock carries a median build year of 1955. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Waterville 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Waterville
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Waterville homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Waterville. The estimated $1,100–$3,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 33% below the Kansas average.
Waterville: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
When older housing represents 89% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Waterville address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Waterville
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead can reduce the most common contaminant found in Waterville's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 89% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Waterville, KS