Kansas City, Missouri Tap Water Quality Report
Serving utility: Kansas City
Updated March 2026 • Data from EWG Tap Water Database & EPA SDWIS
High Priority Concerns
Kansas City tap water has 11 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Chromium (hexavalent), Haloacetic acids (HAA5). Additionally, 10 known or suspected carcinogens were detected, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Chromium (hexavalent), Haloacetic acids (HAA5).
Water Provider Information
Contaminants Detected
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EWG Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) carcinogen | 16.80 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chromium (hexavalent) carcinogen | 2.53 ppb | 0.02 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) carcinogen | 11.10 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 60 ppb | Above guideline |
| Dichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 9.87 ppb | 0.20 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) carcinogen | 6.64 ppb | 0.15 ppb | 80 ppb | Above guideline |
| Bromodichloromethane carcinogen | 0.86 ppb | 0.06 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Chloroform carcinogen | 5.78 ppb | 0.40 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Nitrate carcinogen | 1.42 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Nitrate and nitrite carcinogen | 1.42 ppm | 0.14 ppm | 10 ppm | Above guideline |
| Trichloroacetic acid carcinogen | 0.79 ppb | 0.10 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Dibromoacetic acid | 0.16 ppb | 0.03 ppb | No legal limit | Above guideline |
| Atrazine | 0.10 ppb | 0.10 ppb | 3 ppb | Near guideline |
| Barium | 15.10 ppb | 700 ppb | 2,000 ppb | Below guideline |
| Fluoride | 0.64 ppm | N/A | 4 ppm | Below guideline |
| Lithium | 39.20 ppb | N/A | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Manganese | 0.07 ppb | 100 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Molybdenum | 2.95 ppb | 40 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monobromoacetic acid | 0.01 ppb | 25 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Monochloroacetic acid | 0.28 ppb | 53 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Selenium | 1.15 ppb | 30 ppb | 50 ppb | Below guideline |
| Strontium | 23.80 ppb | 1,500 ppb | No legal limit | Below guideline |
| Vanadium | 1.93 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.
Chromium (hexavalent) 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.
Dichloroacetic acid 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.
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, 11 contaminants exceed stricter EWG health guidelines, and 10 known carcinogens were detected. While legally compliant, additional filtration is recommended for optimal safety.
What contaminants are in Kansas City water?
A total of 22 contaminants were detected in Kansas City tap water, including Haloacetic acids (HAA9), Chromium (hexavalent). Of these, 11 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 Kansas City, serving approximately 513,800 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.
