Salina Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Salina tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 79 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is Salina Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Salina tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
Lead — Lead (1.5 ppb) is at 10% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 4 water utilities serving 49K people in the Salina area.
Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Salina. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.
How Hard is Salina Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for Salina.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Salina tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Salina
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.5 ppb
Salina lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
79
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
79
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Salina's Water?
Utility Name
SALINA, CITY OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
KS2016914
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
49K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Salina tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Kansas
Kansas City
Very Hard water
Wichita
Very Hard water
Olathe
Very Hard water
Topeka
Very Hard water
Lawrence
Very Hard water
Manhattan
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)