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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 25 cities in Kansas
Across the 25 Kansas water systems we track, the average water quality score is 80/100 — 8 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 76% of Kansas cities (19 of 25) score above that national benchmark, and 9 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Kansas water systems are nitrates (fertilizer and feedlot runoff), hardness and total dissolved solids and selenium and naturally occurring minerals. See the full breakdown in our Kansas water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Kansas
46,994 residents
40,006 residents
22,932 residents
156,607 residents
397,532 residents
54,100 residents
197,238 residents
19,666 residents
15,224 residents
25,625 residents
27,788 residents
141,290 residents
18,602 residents
20,216 residents
23,287 residents
26,403 residents
24,239 residents
21,116 residents
22,368 residents
98,193 residents
35,811 residents
36,210 residents
126,587 residents
67,093 residents
57,434 residents
Kansas water quality is dominated by agriculture and by the gradual depletion and contamination of the Ogallala (High Plains) Aquifer in the west. Nitrate from fertilizer, naturally occurring minerals, and high water hardness are defining features, while reservoirs supplying eastern cities can experience seasonal taste-and-odor and algal issues.
Based on our analysis of 25 cities in Kansas, the average water quality score is 80/100. 4 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Lenexa with a score of 48/100, while Salina has the most room for improvement at 97/100.
4 of the 25 Kansas cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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Western Kansas depends almost entirely on the Ogallala Aquifer, which is being drawn down faster than it recharges. Eastern Kansas, including Wichita and the Kansas City area, relies on reservoirs and rivers such as the Kansas and Arkansas rivers. Many small towns operate their own groundwater wells.
These contaminants have been detected in various Kansas water systems
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) administers drinking water programs in compliance with federal EPA standards and manages the state's response to nitrate and other agricultural contaminants. KDHE also oversees groundwater protection in the stressed High Plains region.
Nitrate is the leading health concern, particularly for infants in farming communities and for private-well users in western Kansas. High dissolved-solids and hardness affect taste and plumbing but are not generally health risks. Some western groundwater carries naturally elevated uranium.
Kansas private-well owners should test annually for nitrate and bacteria. Reverse osmosis removes nitrate, uranium, and excess minerals and improves taste in high-TDS areas; it is the most reliable option for western Kansas groundwater. Municipal customers should review their Consumer Confidence Report for nitrate and disinfection byproduct levels.
Most Kansas cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 80/100 across 25 cities we analyzed, Kansas generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Kansas include nitrates (fertilizer and feedlot runoff), hardness and total dissolved solids, selenium and naturally occurring minerals. These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 4 cities in Kansas showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Kansas are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Kansas water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Kansas. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Kansas city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Lenexa has the highest water quality score in Kansas at 48/100 (Grade F). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Kansas page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Kansas are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area