B74/100
Salina Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 48,275 residents · Kansas
What's In Salina'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) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
OTTAWA CO RWD 2
Population Served
1,794
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KS2014307
SALINA, CITY OF
Population Served
46,481
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KS2016914
Frequently Asked Questions About Salina Water
Is Salina tap water safe to drink?
Salina, Kansas tap water receives a grade of B (74/100), which is considered good. Out of 70 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 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 Salina's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Salina'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 Salina have any water quality violations?
Yes, Salina has 18 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Salina?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Salina 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 Salina's tap water come from?
Salina's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by OTTAWA CO RWD 2 and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 48,275 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Salina'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. Salina'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 Salina's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Salina's water quality score of 74/100 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 Salina's water quality?
If you have concerns about Salina'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 (OTTAWA CO RWD 2) 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.