University of Kansas

This overview provides a snapshot of the municipal water quality delivered to Lawrence residents last year. The City of Lawrence's water consistently meets all Federal and State safety standards.

The City of Lawrence relies on two primary surface water sources: the Kansas River and Clinton River. In some cases, water may be drawn from 6 Floor Water Wells. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has evaluated these water sources, with reports available at http://www.kdheks.gov/nps/swap/SWreports.html.

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting certain contaminants in public water systems. Lawrence treats its source water according to EPA guidelines by removing contaminants and disinfecting against microbial threats. All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

Source water naturally picks up substances as it flows over land or underground. These may include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, either naturally occurring or from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agricultural activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including stormwater runoff and farming
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or from mining activities
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems

Our water system tests a minimum of ninety samples monthly for microbiological contaminants per the Total Coliform Rule. While coliform bacteria are generally harmless, their presence can indicate disease-causing bacteria. Special follow-up testing occurs when coliform is detected.

Individuals with compromised immune systems—such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly individuals, and infants—may be particularly vulnerable to waterborne contaminants. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their municipal water consumption.

Occasionally, Lawrence's source water may affect the taste, smell, or appearance of your tap water. However, none of the contaminants affecting health can be tasted. Common causes of water quality concerns include disinfectant additives, hydrogen sulfide in groundwater producing a rotten-egg smell, and algae or bacteria in surface water sources producing harmless but unpleasant tastes.

1. What contaminants are most concerning in Lawrence's water supply? Trihalomethanes (THMs), hexavalent chromium, and chlorate are substances regularly monitored in the Lawrence water system.
2. How often is Lawrence's municipal water tested? The system undergoes daily operational testing with comprehensive contaminant analysis performed according to EPA schedules, with most tests conducted quarterly or annually.
3. What causes water hardness in Lawrence? The naturally occurring calcium and magnesium minerals in Kansas River and Clinton River create moderate to high hardness levels in Lawrence's water.
4. How can residents address water quality concerns? Home filtration systems designed for specific contaminants can be effective. Point-of-use carbon filters reduce THMs, while water softeners address hardness issues.