A88/100
Lawrence Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 137,434 residents · Kansas
What's In Lawrence'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
DOUGLAS CO RWD 5
Population Served
2,500
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2004502
LAWRENCE, CITY OF
Population Served
95,256
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KS2004503
DOUGLAS CO RWD 2
Population Served
1,163
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2004508
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Population Served
35,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2004513
JEFFERSON CO RWD 13
Population Served
2,115
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KS2008704
DOUGLAS CO RWD 1
Population Served
1,400
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KS2004506
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Water
Is Lawrence tap water safe to drink?
Lawrence, Kansas tap water receives a grade of A (88/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Lawrence's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Lawrence'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 Lawrence have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lawrence has 34 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, MON, MR. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lawrence?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence's tap water come from?
Lawrence's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by DOUGLAS CO RWD 5 and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 137,434 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lawrence'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. Lawrence'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 Lawrence's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Lawrence's water quality score of 88/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Lawrence among the better-performing water systems in Kansas. Visit our Kansas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Lawrence's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lawrence'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 (DOUGLAS CO RWD 5) 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.