B79/100
Seneca Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,930 residents · Kansas
What's In Seneca's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.81 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
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 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
SENECA, CITY OF
Population Served
2,130
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KS2013102
NEMAHA CO RWD 3
Population Served
2,800
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KS2013110
Frequently Asked Questions About Seneca Water
Is Seneca tap water safe to drink?
Seneca, Kansas tap water receives a grade of B (79/100), which is considered good. Out of 2 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 Seneca's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Seneca'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 Seneca have any water quality violations?
Yes, Seneca has 8 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2019. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Seneca?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Seneca 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 Seneca's tap water come from?
Seneca's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SENECA, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 4,930 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Seneca'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. Seneca'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 Seneca's water compare to other cities in Kansas?
Seneca'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 Seneca's water quality?
If you have concerns about Seneca'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 (SENECA, 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.