Water Quality in Olathe, KS: 12 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Olathe's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Olathe, KS has 12 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Olathe
Water quality varies across Olathe's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66051 | D | 43 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
| 66063 | D | 43 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
| 66061 | D | 47 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
| 66062 | D | 47 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Olathe, Kansas receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Olathe have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 143,014 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Olathe's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Olathe water systems is 0.0110 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Olathe is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Olathe
Olathe is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 143,014 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 28 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olathe. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Olathe
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Olathe Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Olathe's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 4 | 4 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olathe. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-03-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-06-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-05-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-05-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-04-15.
Olathe vs. Nearby Kansas Cities
How Olathe's water quality compares to similar cities in Kansas:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olathe | D | 12 | 1 | 143,014 |
| Lenexa | D | 0 | 1 | 143,014 |
| Shawnee Mission | D | 0 | 1 | 143,014 |
| Stilwell | D | 0 | 1 | 143,014 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Olathe
Water quality varies across Olathe's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66051 | 43 | D | 3 | 0 |
| 66063 | 43 | D | 3 | 0 |
| 66061 | 47 | D | 3 | 0 |
| 66062 | 47 | D | 3 | 0 |
Common Questions About Olathe Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Olathe, Kansas:
Is Olathe water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Olathe's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Olathe tap water? Olathe's water receives a grade of D (45/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Olathe? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Olathe vs. Kansas Average
Understanding how Olathe compares to the broader Kansas average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Olathe.
ZIP Codes in Olathe
Olathe spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 66051. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.