Kansas Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 25 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average80/100

Cities Ranked

Salina

Best City (97/100)

Lenexa

Lowest Score (48/100)

76%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Kansas's 25 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

36% of cities

B Range

48% of cities

C Range

12% of cities

0% of cities

4% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)68%

17 out of 25 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 25 Kansas Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Salina	97/100	A+	46,994	None identified
2	Hutchinson	94/100	A	40,006	None identified
3	Junction City	93/100	A	22,932	None identified
#4	Kansas City	93/100	A	156,607	None identified
#5	Wichita	93/100	A	397,532	None identified
#6	Manhattan	92/100	A	54,100	None identified
#7	Overland Park	91/100	A	197,238	None identified
#8	Liberal	88/100	A-	19,666	None identified
#9	Great Bend	85/100	A-	15,224	None identified
#10	Derby	84/100	B+	25,625	None identified
#11	Dodge City	84/100	B+	27,788	None identified
#12	Olathe	84/100	B+	141,290	None identified
#13	Newton	81/100	B+	18,602	None identified
#14	Pittsburg	81/100	B+	20,216	None identified
#15	Gardner	80/100	B+	23,287	None identified
#16	Garden City	79/100	B	26,403	None identified
#17	Emporia	77/100	B	24,239	None identified
#18	Hays	73/100	B-	21,116	None identified
#19	Prairie Village	73/100	B-	22,368	None identified
#20	Lawrence	70/100	B-	98,193	None identified
#21	Leawood	70/100	B-	35,811	None identified
#22	Leavenworth	67/100	C+	36,210	None identified
#23	Topeka	65/100	C+	126,587	None identified
#24	Shawnee	64/100	C	67,093	None identified
#25	Lenexa	48/100	F	57,434	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Kansas is found in Salina with a score of 97/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Salina among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Lenexa scoring 48/100 with a grade of F. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

1 city with D or F grades:

Lenexa — Score: 48/100, Grade: F

The statewide average score is 80/100, which is 8 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (76%) of Kansas cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Kansas has the best water quality?

Salina has the best water quality in Kansas with a score of 97/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Salina ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Kansas tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Kansas. The state average score is 80/100. 68% of Kansas cities have good water quality (grade B or better). However, 1 city has water quality concerns with a grade of D or F. Residents in those areas should consider water testing and filtration. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Kansas cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 25 cities tracked in Kansas, 1 city has a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 3 cities fall in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 19 out of 25 cities (76%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.