The water supply for Maize, KS relies on local groundwater sources, but faces complications related to system capacity limits, occasional boil water advisories, and the threat of stormwater runoff contaminating the watershed.

Water Supply Details & Conservation

Maize pulls its drinking water from local groundwater via municipal wells. To prevent shortages during peak usage or drought, the Maize City Council updated the local Water Conservation Plan. This plan allows the city to issue watches, warnings, or emergencies if water storage falls below 85% of capacity, or if single-day demands surge 15% above seasonal peaks. The city also plans to add a second water tower and more wells to build infrastructure redundancy and accommodate industrial growth.

Complications

• Water Quality Risks: As a result of permeable soils and the Big Slough Creek running through the area, stormwater runoff poses a constant complication. Runoff can introduce petroleum, fertilizers, and coliform bacteria into both surface and groundwater.
• Boil Water Advisories: While rare, the city and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have occasionally had to issue boil advisories—such as when pressure drops or when indicator bacteria test above acceptable limits in the distribution system.
• Disinfection Byproducts: Like many cities, Maize's treatment process uses chlorine, which can result in the formation of byproducts like haloacetic acids. Tests by environmental advocacy groups have highlighted levels of these byproducts above stringent health guidelines, though still within legal limits.