Water Quality in Yates Center, KS: 28 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Yates Center's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Yates Center, KS have accumulated 28 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Yates Center
Water quality varies across Yates Center's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66783 | D | 50 | 28 | 20 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Yates Center.
Water Quality Overview
Yates Center, Kansas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Yates Center have accumulated 28 EPA violations, including 20 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,782 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Yates Center's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Yates Center water systems is 0.0022 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Yates Center 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
Yates Center is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Yates Center
Yates Center is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,782 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 Yates Center. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Yates Center
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 Yates Center Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Yates Center's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 11 | 1 | Yes |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 10 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 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 Yates Center:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | 9 |
| 2025 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have decreased from 9 in 2024 to 6 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Yates Center. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-30.
Yates Center vs. Nearby Kansas Cities
How Yates Center's water quality compares to similar cities in Kansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yates Center | D | 28 | 2 | 1,782 |
| Hanover | C | 2 | 2 | 1,782 |
| Ogallah | D | 0 | 1 | 1,790 |
| Neosho Falls | D | 0 | 1 | 1,773 |
Common Questions About Yates Center Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Yates Center, Kansas:
Is Yates Center water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Yates Center's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Yates Center tap water? Yates Center's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 20 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Yates Center? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Yates Center vs. Kansas Average
Understanding how Yates Center 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 Yates Center.
ZIP Codes in Yates Center
Yates Center spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 66783. 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.