C44/100
Clay Center Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,138 residents · Kansas
What's In Clay Center's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.48 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CLAY CENTER, CITY OF
Population Served
4,138
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KS2002701
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay Center Water
Is Clay Center tap water safe to drink?
Clay Center, Kansas tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 17 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Clay Center's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Clay Center's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Clay Center have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clay Center has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clay Center?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Clay Center is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Clay Center's tap water come from?
Clay Center's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CLAY CENTER, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 4,138 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Clay Center's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Clay Center's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Clay Center's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Clay Center's water quality score of 44/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Kansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Clay Center's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clay Center's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CLAY CENTER, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.