Health Violations Found KS 5 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

City of Topeka,

EPA ID: KS2017701 · 125,963 people served · 32 ZIP codes

Compliance tracking for City of Topeka, shows 4 pending violations logged in the EPA system — the supplier delivers water to approximately 125,963 residents while those findings remain open.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 69
Avg Safety Score
125,963
People Served
32
ZIP Codes Served
9
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.0024 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk · Moderate
3
Contaminants Flagged

Compliance Trajectory

Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months

Violations went from 240 (2024) to 100 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for City of Topeka, Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$59,690
Median Household Income
164,819
Service Area Population
37%
Disadvantaged Population
50th
Poverty Percentile
60th
Energy Burden Percentile
71%
Pre-1986 Housing

The City of Topeka, serves a community with a median household income of $59,690 and an estimated 164,819 residents across its service area. Approximately 71% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

Environmental Justice Note: 37% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

City of Topeka,'s water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
50th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
10th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 2% of homes in Shawnee County, Kansas rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Infrastructure Risk

51 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Unknown
Pipe Material
16 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Accelerating Decay
Decay Status
Installed 76% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How City of Topeka, compares to EPA limits

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 6 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 6 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

E. coli at 2 Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action) exceeds the EPA maximum of Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action). Severe GI illness; potentially fatal kidney failure in children. Consider UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 24 detections recorded.

Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Kansas

City of Olathe
143,014 people
D 3 violations
C 1 violation
City of Lawrence
95,256 people
C 3 violations
City of Manhattan
54,763 people
C 2 violations
City of Salina
46,481 people
C 58 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Water Filtration Radon Mitigation PFAS Treatment
Flood Insurance $675
Water Filtration $581
Radon Mitigation $400
PFAS Treatment $297
Total Estimated Cost $1,953

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

Estimated Property Value Decline $6,643

5% of median home value (EPA est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$8,485
10 years
$16,970
20 years
$33,940

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,953 (one-time) vs. $16,970 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

TOPEKA, CITY OF (EPA ID: KS2017701) is a community water system in Kansas that serves approximately 125,963 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 32 ZIP codes across 2 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (69/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

5 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 4 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 2, 2025 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
April 1, 2025 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Health-based Resolved
January 1, 2025 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Health-based Resolved
October 1, 2024 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Health-based Resolved
July 1, 2024 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Health-based Unresolved
April 1, 2024 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Health-based Unresolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 6 Yes
E. coli Microbiological 2 No
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No

Health Risk Details

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (EPA limit: 0.08 mg/L)

Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns At-risk groups: pregnant women, long-term consumers of chlorinated water, people who frequently shower in chlorinated water.

Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), carbon block filter, point-of-entry aeration. Find the right filter →

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
66601 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66603 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66604 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66605 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66606 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66607 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66608 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66609 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66610 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66611 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66612 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66614 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66615 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66616 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66617 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66618 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66619 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66620 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66621 0.0024 mg/L No N/A
66622 0.0024 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 18 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 14 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

This system serves 32 ZIP codes:

66546 · 66601 · 66603 · 66604 · 66605 66606 · 66607 · 66608 · 66609 · 66610 66611 · 66612 · 66614 · 66615 · 66616 66617 · 66618 · 66619 · 66620 · 66621 66622 · 66624 · 66625 · 66626 · 66628 66629 · 66636 · 66647 · 66667 · 66675 66683 · 66699

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for City of Topeka, (KS2017701) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is City of Topeka, water safe to drink?

City of Topeka, has recorded 5 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does City of Topeka, serve?

City of Topeka, serves approximately 125,963 people across 32 ZIP codes in Kansas.

Where does City of Topeka, get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
116
Detections
1
Latest sample
11/3/2025
Highest analyte
PFBA: 5.1 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBA 5.1 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

291
Confirmed Lead
4,893
Galvanized — Replacement Required
3,106
Unknown Material
49,519
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2021-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 125,963
Reported to Kansas

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from City of Topeka, safe to drink?
City of Topeka, has a C safety grade based on 9 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in City of Topeka,'s water?
Detected contaminants include Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), E. coli, Stage 2 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 3 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does City of Topeka, serve?
City of Topeka, serves approximately 125,963 people with drinking water across 32 ZIP codes.
What is City of Topeka,'s water source?
City of Topeka, draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in City of Topeka,'s water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0024 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of City of Topeka,'s service area?
The City of Topeka, service area has a median household income of $59,690. EPA EJScreen data classifies 37% of the population as disadvantaged, which may indicate greater vulnerability to environmental health risks.
Where does City of Topeka, get its water?
City of Topeka,'s water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

City of Topeka, (EPA ID: KS2017701) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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