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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Alma, KS Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 1 ZIP code in Alma, Kansas

Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Alma, KS?

Yes, tap water in Alma, KS is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of B (77/100) across 1 ZIP codes with 2 health violations and moderately hard (105 mg/L / 6.1 GPG) water. Certified testing is recommended for older plumbing or private wells.

Average Score

77/100

Health Violations

2

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

1

of 1 ZIP codes

B

About Tap Water in Alma, KS

Drinking water in Alma, KS receives an average water quality grade of B (score: 77/100) across its 1 ZIP code. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Morris Company Rwd 1.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Alma are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Alma, KS

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Alma confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Alma may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in KS are not monitored by the EPA or Kansas Department of Health and Environment — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Alma Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in KS are maintained by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Alma

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Alma water systems over the past 5 years.

Fecal Coliform

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Alma, KS

Showing 1 of 1 monitored ZIP code in Alma

B
66401

Alma, KS

Score: 77/1002 violations

All Alma, KS ZIP Code Reports (1 Total)

66401

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Kansas

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Kansas:

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Agra, KS1 ZIP code
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Abilene, KS1 ZIP code
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Alden, KS1 ZIP code
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Admire, KS1 ZIP code
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Alexander, KS1 ZIP code
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Frequently Asked Questions — Alma Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Alma, KS?+
Yes — tap water in Alma meets federal EPA standards and earns a B grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
How do I test water quality in Alma, KS?+
To test water quality in Alma, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in KS. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Alma?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Alma, KS are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Alma?+
Tap water in Alma is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Alma?+
The average water quality score across 1 ZIP code in Alma, KS is 77/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Alma have lead in its tap water?+
1 out of 1 ZIP codes in Alma are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
Where does Alma's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Alma, KS primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

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