Is Baldwin, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.2/100
waterverge.com Baldwin, KS — Water Quality Report
Baldwin's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,163 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baldwin's water
Baldwin ranks #28 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Baldwin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baldwin, KS water safe to drink?
Baldwin's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,163 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Baldwin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baldwin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1000). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baldwin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baldwin's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Douglas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Kansas R, Clinton Lk Nr Lawrence, Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence.
Where does Baldwin's water come from?
Baldwin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,163 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kansas R (river), Clinton Lk Nr Lawrence (lake), Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence (river).
What Baldwin residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Baldwin's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Douglas County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Baldwin compares by contaminant
Explore where Baldwin ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baldwin's water comes from
Baldwin's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,163 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Baldwin
Baldwin is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Baldwin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOUGLAS CO RWD 2 | KS2004508 | 1,163 | SWP |
How Baldwin compares
Full Kansas rankings →Baldwin's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Baldwin, KS
Wikipedia →Lawrence is a city in and the county seat of Douglas County, Kansas, United States, and the sixth-largest city in the state. It is in the northeastern sector of the state, astride Interstate 70, between the Kansas and Wakarusa rivers. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 94,934. The city is a college town with a significant student population, because it is home to both the University of Kansas (KU) and Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU).
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baldwin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Baldwin, KS tap water safe to drink?
Baldwin's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Baldwin's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Baldwin's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Baldwin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baldwin's water come from?
Baldwin's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,163 residents.
What health violations has Baldwin's water system had?
Baldwin has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Baldwin's water compare to other cities?
Baldwin ranks #28 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 91% of state cities) and #3603 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Baldwin's small water system affect quality?
Baldwin's system serves approximately 1,163 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 5 violations on record.