F0/100
Russell Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,388 residents · Kansas
What's In Russell's Tap Water?
54
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: February 13, 2022 – April 5, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
RUSSELL, CITY OF
Population Served
4,388
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KS2016703
Frequently Asked Questions About Russell Water
Is Russell tap water safe to drink?
Russell, Kansas tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Russell's water?
54 contaminants were tested in Russell's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Russell have any water quality violations?
Yes, Russell has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, TT, Other. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Russell?
Russell water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Russell's tap water come from?
Russell's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by RUSSELL, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 4,388 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Russell's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Russell's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Russell's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Russell's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Kansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Russell's water quality?
If you have concerns about Russell's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (RUSSELL, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.