GOESSEL, Kan. (April 3, 2026) — The City of Goessel received official notice Friday from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment stating the city’s water system is not in violation of federal standards for maximum nitrate levels.
A drinking water warning was issued after a sample tested at a nitrate level of 11 milligrams per liter on March 9. A second sample taken March 17 came in at nine milligrams per liter, and based on that KDHE said the system did not incur a violation as the average level was not above 10.5 milligrams per liter.f
KDHE is switching Goessel from annual to quarterly monitoring starting with the second quarter of 2026, and moving forward the city will be investigating ways to lower the impacts that natural, industrial and agricultural systems have on nitrate levels, this including field runoff and from septic systems.
The city is also going to keep bottled water on hand for vulnerable populations such as infants less than six months of age, pregnant and nursing mothers, and those identified as at risk by a health care provider.
If you have questions or want more information, contact Goessel City Clerk Jennifer Bliss at 620-367-8111 or Alex Goossen at 620-747-0709.
