EMPORIA, Kansas Tap Water Quality

28,743 people served · 7 water systems

Failing

EMPORIA, Kansas is a small city with 28,743 residents served by a network of 7 public water systems. Water service covers ZIP code 66801.

EMPORIA has accumulated a significant number of EPA health-based violations. Reviewing the contaminants involved, requesting your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and using certified point-of-use filtration is strongly advisable.

EPA reporting identifies E. Coli and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) among the regulated contaminants associated with EMPORIA's recent health-based violations. Each contaminant has different sources, health implications, and recommended mitigation steps — links to the full EPA reference for each are listed alongside the violation history below.

Last updated: 2026-05-18 · Source: EPA SDWIS

Location

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Centered on ZIP-code centroids of water systems serving this city.

ZIP Codes Served

66801

Health-Based Violations (Last 5 Years)

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level exceedances reported by water systems serving EMPORIA. Each entry explains the contaminant, the health risk, and recommended precautions, and links to a full guide.

E. Colimicrobial

EPA Code 0300 · Treatment Technique Violation

violations

EPA Limit

0 per 100 mL presence/absence

Last Reading

—

First Reported

Nov 2024

Most Recent

Nov 2024

What this violation means

E. coli detection is an EPA Tier 1 acute violation, requiring same-day public notification. It confirms that fecal matter has entered the drinking water supply, posing immediate health risks — particularly to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Recommended precautions

→Do not drink the water until the utility has lifted the advisory.
→Boil water for at least one minute (three minutes at elevations above 6,500 ft).
→Disinfect dishes and surfaces that touched contaminated water.
→Seek medical attention if you develop bloody diarrhea or persistent vomiting.

Read the complete guide to E. Coli

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)disinfectant

EPA Code 2456 · Maximum Contaminant Level Exceedance

violations

EPA Limit

0.06 mg/L

Last Reading

.064 MG/L

First Reported

Jul 2024

Most Recent

Oct 2024

What this violation means

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) are the second major group of disinfection byproducts after TTHMs. They form by the same mechanism — chlorine reacting with organic matter — and pose similar long-term cancer risks. Utilities are required to test quarterly at distribution-system locations to track HAA5 levels.

Recommended precautions

→Activated carbon filtration removes most HAA5.
→Reverse osmosis is highly effective.
→Unlike TTHMs, HAA5 do not significantly off-gas. Use treatment rather than aeration.
→Long-term ingestion is the primary concern, not short-term skin contact.

Read the complete guide to Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Health-based violations only. Older violations may have been resolved; check your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report for current status.

Water Systems Serving EMPORIA

LYON CO RWD 2

PWSID: KS2011108

750 served

PARK PLACE COMMUNITIES MGT LLC

PWSID: KS2011109

200 served

EMPORIA, CITY OF

PWSID: KS2011105

24,009 served

7 violations

LYON CO RWD 1

PWSID: KS2011101

1,595 served

LYON CO RWD 3

PWSID: KS2011113

479 served

LYON CO RWD 5

PWSID: KS2011107

1,310 served

GREENWOOD CO RWD 3

PWSID: KS2007309

400 served

8 violations

What Can You Do?

✅ Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — required by law.
✅ Use an NSF-certified water filter if violations involve lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
✅ Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing (reduces lead).
✅ Check back monthly — we update data from the EPA every 30 days.

About this data

This overview reflects EPA SDWIS data published as of 2026-05-18. It covers active Community Water Systems (CWS) that exceeded federal Maximum Contaminant Levels during the past five-year EPA reporting window. For up-to-the-minute information, request a current Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, or review the EPA's public dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EMPORIA, Kansas tap water safe to drink?▼

This city's water had numerous EPA violations in the last 5 years. Consider filtered water.

How many EPA violations does EMPORIA have?▼

EMPORIA has 15 EPA health-based water violations in the last 5 years across 7 water systems serving 28,743 people.

What contaminants have been found in EMPORIA water?▼

The following EPA-regulated contaminants have been detected: 0300, 2456. View details about each contaminant, health effects, and recommended precautions above in the violations table.

Should I use a water filter in EMPORIA?▼

Using an NSF-certified water filter is recommended if your area has violations involving lead, arsenic, or PFAS. For other contaminants, consult your local water utility. Check the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for detailed guidance.

What should I do if there are violations in EMPORIA?▼

Request your water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by the EPA. Follow the utility's guidance on boil water advisories. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if you have older plumbing. Use an NSF-certified filter if needed based on your water system's violations.