Wichita’s Water Quality
The City of Wichita’s Public Works & Utilities department takes great pride and care in treating its drinking water. Due to diligent testing and monitoring, there is no concern with lead and copper in the water that is produced and delivered to our customers. Public Works & Utilities has a long-standing history of meeting all regulatory standards, which can be found in the Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) that is published yearly. Wichita has also replaced over 10,000 public lead service lines within the distribution system in recent years.
To view the Water Quality Report and for more information about our
public water supply page.
The Lead & Copper Rule and Upcoming Revisions
The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) is a federal regulation established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. It sets action levels and requirements for monitoring and control. The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes and brass or bronze faucets and fixtures. Learn more about the Lead and Copper rule at the
EPA's lead and copper page and information about the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) coming in 2024.
Although Public Works & Utilities is meeting all current regulations, there are new revisions on the horizon for the Lead & Copper Rule. These revisions add new requirements related to lead and galvanized service lines on the private property side. Be aware that with these new rules and regulations, you may be asked to sample your water or visually inspect your water service lines to gather information for the City’s inventory of public and private service lines.
What is the City doing about the new rule revisions?
The City of Wichita is undertaking an effort to identify all lead service lines, both public and private, by October 2024. Over 10,000 public service lines have already been replaced. All public service lines that have not been previously identified will be replaced immediately. As private service lines are not legally part of the City’s water distribution infrastructure, it is ultimately up to the property owner to replace any lead service lines on the private property side. Information and resources will be provided as they become available.
What Can I Do?
- Identify if you have lead service lines: This can be done by contacting a licensed plumber or using the EPA’s guide
“Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead | US EPA.” Report your water service line material to the City of Wichita by filling out this survey. This will help us complete our inventory of service lines.
- Stay informed: Learn about lead by watching this short YouTube video
“Together, Let’s Get the Lead Out”. Keep up to date with the latest news about Lead & Copper by visiting the
EPA’s lead page and the
KDHE’s Lead and Copper rule page.
FAQ’s
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I have general concerns or inquiries related to water quality. Who do I contact?
Email the Public Works & Utilities Department.
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How do I find out if I have lead service lines in my house?
After the City of Wichita has completed the inventory of service lines in late 2024, customers who are believed to have a lead service line will be notified. In the meantime, visit the EPA’s guidance on checking your service lines for lead here: Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead | US EPA and contact us if you believe that you have a lead service line.
Take the survey.
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If I have lead service lines, do I need to replace them immediately?
Property owners are not required to remove or replace lead plumbing on private property. However, because lead contamination of drinking water often results from corrosion of the plumbing materials on private property, the EPA recommends replacement to ensure the risk is eliminated.
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Who do I contact if we want to have my water tested?
U.S. EPA recommends sending samples to a certified laboratory for analysis. Testing costs between $15.00 and $100.00. Carefully follow the directions of the certified laboratory for collecting the water sample and collect the sample from the faucets where you drink.
Certified Labs in Kansas
Helpful Resources
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