C56/100
Gardner Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 30,399 residents · Kansas
What's In Gardner's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2019.
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
JOHNSON CO RWD 7
Population Served
6,457
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2009104
GARDNER, CITY OF
Population Served
23,942
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KS2009106
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardner Water
Is Gardner tap water safe to drink?
Gardner, Kansas tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 38 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Gardner's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Gardner's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Gardner have any water quality violations?
Yes, Gardner has 38 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Gardner?
Gardner water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Gardner's tap water come from?
Gardner's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by JOHNSON CO RWD 7 and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 30,399 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Gardner'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. Gardner'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 Gardner's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Gardner's water quality score of 56/100 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 Gardner's water quality?
If you have concerns about Gardner'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 (JOHNSON CO RWD 7) 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.