Water Quality: Emporia, KS
7 water systems • 28,743 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Emporia is served by 7 public water systems with a combined service population of 28,743 people, and has 59 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 18 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Emporia's violation count is 51% above the national average for Kansas. Contaminants associated with violations include Contaminant 1011, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Emporia
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMPORIA, CITY OF | KS2011105 | Surface Water | 24,009 | 16 |
| LYON CO RWD 1 | KS2011101 | Surface Water | 1,595 | 10 |
| LYON CO RWD 5 | KS2011107 | Surface Water | 1,310 | 3 |
| LYON CO RWD 2 | KS2011108 | Surface Water | 750 | 3 |
| LYON CO RWD 3 | KS2011113 | Surface Water | 479 | 9 |
| GREENWOOD CO RWD 3 | KS2007309 | Surface Water | 400 | 12 |
| PARK PLACE COMMUNITIES MGT LLC | KS2011109 | Surface Water | 200 | 6 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Kansas
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.