B79/100
Lancaster Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 3,690 residents · Kansas
What's In Lancaster's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
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
ATCHISON CO RWD 5C
Population Served
3,690
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2000511
Frequently Asked Questions About Lancaster Water
Is Lancaster tap water safe to drink?
Lancaster, Kansas tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Lancaster's water?
31 contaminants were tested in Lancaster's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Lancaster have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lancaster has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lancaster?
Lancaster 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Lancaster's tap water come from?
Lancaster's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by ATCHISON CO RWD 5C. The system serves approximately 3,690 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lancaster'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. Lancaster'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 Lancaster's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Lancaster's water quality score of 79/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Kansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Lancaster's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lancaster'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 (ATCHISON CO RWD 5C) 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.