A89/100
Manhattan Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 56,871 residents · Kansas
What's In Manhattan's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1994.
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
MANHATTAN, CITY OF
Population Served
54,763
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KS2016112
RILEY CO RWD 1
Population Served
2,108
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
KS2016135
Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan Water
Is Manhattan tap water safe to drink?
Manhattan, Kansas tap water receives a grade of A (89/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 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 Manhattan's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Manhattan'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 Manhattan have any water quality violations?
Yes, Manhattan has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MCL, MR. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Manhattan?
Manhattan 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 Manhattan's tap water come from?
Manhattan's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MANHATTAN, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 56,871 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Manhattan'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. Manhattan'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 Manhattan's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Manhattan's water quality score of 89/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Manhattan 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 Manhattan's water quality?
If you have concerns about Manhattan'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 (MANHATTAN, 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.