Kansas City, Kansas Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Water District 1 of Johnson County
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
Notable Concerns
Kansas City tap water has 8 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Additionally, 7 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 13.30 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 16.60 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 9.93 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 1.85 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Arsenic carcinogen | 0.28 ppb | 0.00 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromate carcinogen | 3.16 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 10 ppb | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 0.96 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Atrazine | 0.15 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 3 ppb | Above guideline |
| 1,1-Dichloroethane | 0.01 ppb | 3 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Aluminum | 1.25 ppb | 600 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Barium | 26 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Chlorate | 145.40 ppb | 210 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Chromium (total) | 2.03 ppb | N/A | 100 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.60 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Lithium | 37.50 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.37 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Molybdenum | 4.01 ppb | 40 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA) | 1.06 ppt | 1,000 ppt | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Selenium | 2.40 ppb | 30 ppb | 50 ppb | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 0.26 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 2.72 ppb | 21 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
Health Context
Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen
Exposure to elevated levels of this contaminant may pose health risks. See EWG and EPA guidelines for more information.
Arsenic carcinogen
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer; chronic exposure causes neurological effects and cardiovascular disease.
Recommended Filtration for This Water
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Shop Hydrogen FlaskFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City tap water safe to drink?
Kansas City tap water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water. However, 8 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 7 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Kansas City water?
A total of 21 contaminants were detected in Kansas City tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). Of these, 8 exceed EWG health guidelines.
What's the best water filter for Kansas City?
For Kansas City tap water, we recommend a reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water — it removes up to 99.9% of contaminants including heavy metals, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. For shower and bath water, a whole-home filtration system reduces chlorine and volatile organics.
Where does Kansas City get its water?
Kansas City tap water is provided by Water District 1 of Johnson County, serving approximately 480,000 people. For detailed source water information, contact your local utility or visit the EPA's SDWIS database.
Nearby City Water Reports
Data sources: Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Last updated: March 2026
Methodology: Contaminant levels are compared against both EPA legal limits (Maximum Contaminant Levels) and EWG health guidelines, which are often stricter and based on the latest scientific research.
