Columbus, KS · PWSID KS2002107
Cherokee Co RWD 3 lead service lines
No inventory counts on file
Cherokee Co RWD 3 serves about 1,900 people in Columbus, KS, but EPA's EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3 data has no service line counts for it. That doesn't mean the system has no lead. Ask the utility for its inventory, or check your own pipe with the steps below.
Lead test results
Cherokee Co RWD 3's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2023–Dec 2025) was 2.4 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 4 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 3 still open for Cherokee Co RWD 3. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Open |
| Oct 2025 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Oct 2025 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Oct 2019 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Cherokee Co RWD 3's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from Public Wholesale WSD 19, Public Wholesale WSD 11. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Cherokee Co RWD 3 is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Cherokee Co RWD 3 whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Cherokee County
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Cherokee Co RWD 3's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
6671366725
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| City of Baxter Springs | 127 | 1,419 |
| City of Columbus | 744 | 230 |
| City of Galena | 1,507 | 1 |
| Cherokee Co RWD 4 | 276 | 0 |
| City of Weir | 0 | 1 |
| City of Scammon | 0 | 102 |
| Cherokee Co RWD 7 | 0 | 1 |
| City of West Mineral | 3 | 56 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Cherokee Co RWD 3 have lead pipes?
Cherokee Co RWD 3 has not reported service line counts in EPA's data. Ask the utility for its lead service line inventory, which it was required to prepare by October 16, 2024.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Cherokee Co RWD 3's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Cherokee Co RWD 3 replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Cherokee Co RWD 3 had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 4 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 3 still open for Cherokee Co RWD 3.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Cherokee Co RWD 3 lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ks/cherokee-co-rwd-3/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.