Water Quality: Topeka, KS
5 water systems • 141,838 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Topeka is served by 5 public water systems with a combined service population of 141,838 people, and has 134 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 71 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Topeka's violation count is 243% above the national average for Kansas. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
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
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 Topeka
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPEKA, CITY OF | KS2017701 | Surface Water | 125,963 | 8 |
| SHAWNEE CO RWD 4C | KS2017718 | Surface Water | 12,000 | 1 |
| SHAWNEE CO RWD 3C | KS2017717 | Surface Water | 2,675 | 42 |
| SHAWNEE CO RWD 2C | KS2017713 | Surface Water | 700 | 36 |
| METRO TOPEKA AIRPORT AUTHORITY | KS2117703 | Surface Water | 500 | 47 |
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.