Lead Service Lines in Kansas

What we know about lead in Kansas water systems

Kansas has 1,036 public water systems serving about 2.9 million people. Right now, no lead service lines have been reported across the state's water utilities. That's good news—but it doesn't mean lead isn't present in some pipes. Many water systems haven't yet completed the detailed inventories required by the EPA.

Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to your home. They were commonly installed before the 1980s and are a direct route for lead to enter your drinking water, especially in older homes.

Why the numbers may change

Water utilities are currently mapping their underground pipes as part of a federal requirement. Kansas utilities received $0 in federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help with this work, which means inventory progress may depend on local budgets and staffing.

The absence of reported lead lines doesn't guarantee your home is safe—it usually means the work isn't finished yet. Some utilities may not have started mapping, or the data isn't publicly available.

What affects your risk

Your lead risk depends on:

Your home's age. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines.
Your neighborhood. Some areas of Kansas have older infrastructure than others.
Your utility's inventory progress. Ask your water system directly whether they've mapped your street.

The largest water systems serving Kansas include Water District 1 of Johnson County (490,000 people), City of Wichita (395,699 people), and Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (152,960 people). If you live in one of these areas, contact them to ask about their lead service line inventory status.

Reducing lead exposure at home

Even if your service line isn't lead, you can take simple steps:

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the tap hasn't been used for several hours.
Use cold water for cooking and baby formula.
Consider a certified lead filter if you want extra protection (look for NSF/53 certification).

If you have concerns about your health, talk to your doctor or contact the CDC.

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Next steps for residents

Contact your water utility and ask: "Do you have a lead service line inventory?" and "Is my address on it?"
Check your home's age. If it was built before 1980, lead pipes are more likely.
Request a water test if your utility offers one, or use a certified lab.
Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for current regulations and what utilities must report.

Utility	PWSID	Population	Known lead	Unknown
IOWA TRIBE OF KS & NE	070000008	—	—	—
KICKAPOO TRIBAL WATERWORKS	070000002	—	—	—
SAC & FOX NATION OF MISSOURI	070000013	—	—	—
WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO	KS2009110	490,000	—	—
WICHITA, CITY OF	KS2017308	395,699	—	—
KANSAS CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES	KS2020906	152,960	—	—
OLATHE, CITY OF	KS2009115	143,014	—	—
TOPEKA, CITY OF	KS2017701	125,963	—	—
LAWRENCE, CITY OF	KS2004503	95,256	—	—
MANHATTAN, CITY OF	KS2016112	54,763	—	—
SALINA, CITY OF	KS2016914	46,481	—	—
HUTCHINSON, CITY OF	KS2015509	39,712	—	—
LEAVENWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT	KS2010317	38,757	—	—
FRUSI WATER TREATMENT PLANT	KS2006114	35,784	—	—
GARDEN CITY, CITY OF	KS2005511	35,126	—	—
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS	KS2004513	35,000	—	—
DODGE CITY, CITY OF	KS2005710	27,104	—	—
DERBY, CITY OF	KS2017328	25,413	—	—
EMPORIA, CITY OF	KS2011105	24,009	—	—
GARDNER, CITY OF	KS2009106	23,942	—	—
HAYS, CITY OF	KS2005111	21,040	—	—
PITTSBURG, CITY OF	KS2003705	20,738	—	—
LIBERAL, CITY OF	KS2017504	19,640	—	—
JUNCTION CITY, CITY OF	KS2006108	19,167	—	—
NEWTON, CITY OF	KS2007905	18,433	—	—

Utility

PWSID

Population

Known lead

Unknown

IOWA TRIBE OF KS & NE

070000008

—

KICKAPOO TRIBAL WATERWORKS

070000002

—

SAC & FOX NATION OF MISSOURI

070000013

—

WATER DISTRICT 1 OF JOHNSON CO

KS2009110

490,000

—

WICHITA, CITY OF

KS2017308

395,699

—

KANSAS CITY BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

KS2020906

152,960

—

OLATHE, CITY OF

KS2009115

143,014

—

TOPEKA, CITY OF

KS2017701

125,963

—

LAWRENCE, CITY OF

KS2004503

95,256

—

MANHATTAN, CITY OF

KS2016112

54,763

—

SALINA, CITY OF

KS2016914

46,481

—

HUTCHINSON, CITY OF

KS2015509

39,712

—

LEAVENWORTH WATER DEPARTMENT

KS2010317

38,757

—

FRUSI WATER TREATMENT PLANT

KS2006114

35,784

—

GARDEN CITY, CITY OF

KS2005511

35,126

—

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

KS2004513

35,000

—

DODGE CITY, CITY OF

KS2005710

27,104

—

DERBY, CITY OF

KS2017328

25,413

—

EMPORIA, CITY OF

KS2011105

24,009

—

GARDNER, CITY OF

KS2009106

23,942

—

HAYS, CITY OF

KS2005111

21,040

—

PITTSBURG, CITY OF

KS2003705

20,738

—

LIBERAL, CITY OF

KS2017504

19,640

—

JUNCTION CITY, CITY OF

KS2006108

19,167

—

NEWTON, CITY OF

KS2007905

18,433

—

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Kansas

Does Kansas have lead in the water?

Kansas utilities have not reported any known lead service lines so far, but most water systems are still completing their inventories. Lead risk varies by neighborhood and home age. Contact your local utility to find out if your area has been mapped.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Ask your water utility directly—they are required to know this information and share it with you. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead pipes. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead in my drinking water?

Run your tap for 30 seconds before using water for drinking or cooking, use cold water for baby formula, and ask your utility about water testing. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor or call the CDC.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Kansas?

Kansas public water systems are regularly tested and must meet federal safety standards. Lead risk depends on your specific home and pipes. Contact your utility for their water quality report and ask about lead testing in your area.

Lead service lines in Kansas