Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT

Prairie Hills Unified School District 113 (KS): 5 Health Violations

21 ZIP codes · 36 water systems · 49,279 people served · Updated 2026-06-26

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-26

C · 62
Avg Safety Score
21
ZIP Codes
36
Water Systems
37
Violations (5yr)
0.0034 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Prairie Hills Unified School District 113 in Kansas spans 21 ZIP codes served by 36 community water systems, providing water to approximately 49,279 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (62/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 40/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 65% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0034 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0094 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 21 —

EPA Violation History

5 health-based violations recorded across 12 of 21 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 14 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 10 No 7
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 6 Yes 3
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 5 No 3
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 3
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 4 No 3
Contaminant 0700 Other 3 Yes 2
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 3 No 3
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

21 of 21 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. — homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
66434 Hiawatha D (47) 5 0 0.0085 mg/L No
66518 Oketo C (61) 5 1 0.0006 mg/L No
66436 Holton C (68) 4 0 0.0039 mg/L No
66515 Morrill C (55) 4 4 0.0057 mg/L No
66516 Netawaka C (64) 4 0 0.0006 mg/L No
66425 Fairview C (63) 3 0 0.0035 mg/L No
66527 Powhattan C (63) 3 0 0.002 mg/L No
66541 Summerfield C (65) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
66428 Goff C (64) 2 0 0.0012 mg/L No
66508 Marysville C (63) 2 0 0.0025 mg/L No
66416 Circleville C (64) 1 0 0.0021 mg/L No
66544 Vermillion C (64) 1 0 0.0041 mg/L No
66403 Axtell C (65) 0 0 0.0054 mg/L No
66404 Baileyville D (40) 0 0 — —
66406 Beattie C (66) 0 0 0.0042 mg/L No
66408 Bern C (66) 0 0 0.0027 mg/L No
66427 Frankfort D (51) 0 0 0.0094 mg/L No
66534 Sabetha C (66) 0 0 0.0027 mg/L No
66538 Seneca B (70) 0 0 0.0011 mg/L No
66550 Wetmore C (66) 0 0 0.0025 mg/L No
68420 Pawnee City C (66) 0 0 0.0041 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  5. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Prairie Hills Unified School District 113 schools?

Water systems serving Prairie Hills Unified School District 113 have recorded 5 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Prairie Hills Unified School District 113 test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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