Kansas Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 5 cities in Kansas, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
1 of 5 cities violation-free
5 cities tested
5 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Kansas
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Most Water Quality Issues in Kansas
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Kansas
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Kansas Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Kansas has 5 tracked water utilities serving approximately 1.5M residents. The average water hardness is 303 ppm (17.7 GPG), classified as Very Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 234 ppm in Wichita to 363.4 ppm in Olathe.
In the past 3 years, 4 of 5 cities in Kansas have recorded water quality violations, totaling 48 violations (34 health-based). All 5 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With very hard water on average, many Kansas residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Kansas?
Most tap water in Kansas meets EPA standards, but 4 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (34 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Kansas?
Kansas's average water hardness is 303 ppm (17.7 GPG), classified as Very Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Kansas has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Wichita ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Kansas. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Kansas has the most water quality issues?
Topeka currently has the most water quality concerns in Kansas, with 34 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Kansas get its water from?
The majority of Kansas's water systems (80%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 5 Cities
Sorted by population served
Kansas City
Utility serves 635K
Wichita
Utility serves 402K
Olathe
Utility serves 143K
Topeka
Utility serves 142K
Lawrence
Utility serves 136K