Is Kechi, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Kechi, KS — Water Quality Report
Kechi's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,536 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kechi's water
Kechi ranks #161 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kechi, KS water safe to drink?
Kechi's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,536 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kechi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kechi's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kechi's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kechi's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Arkansas R Nr Maize, L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick, L Arkansas R, Floodway.
Where does Kechi's water come from?
Kechi's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,536 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkansas R Nr Maize (river), L Arkansas R Nr Sedgwick (river), L Arkansas R (river), Floodway (river).
What Kechi residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kechi's water.
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.
Kechi'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kechi
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kechi, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHILLIPS 66 CO WICHITA TERMINAL WICHITA, KS67219 | Benzene | 4 | 3.7 mi |
INTERNATIONAL COLD STORAGE ANDOVER, KS67002 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO ANDOVER, KS67002 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
NATIONAL PLASTICS COLOR INC VALLEY CENTER, KS67147 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
TEXTRON AVIATION/EAST CAMPUS WICHITA, KS67206 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Kechi
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- 57TH AND NORTH BROADWAY STREETS SITE4.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSedgwick County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sedgwick County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kechi compares by contaminant
Explore where Kechi ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kechi's water comes from
Kechi'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 3,536 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Kechi
Kechi is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kechi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KECHI, CITY OF | KS2017334 | 2,261 | SWP |
| SEDGWICK CO RWD 1 | KS2017316 | 1,275 | SWP |
How Kechi compares
Full Kansas rankings →Kechi's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Kechi, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kechi's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sedgwick
Frequently asked questions
Is Kechi, KS tap water safe to drink?
Kechi's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #161 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Kechi's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Kechi'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 Kechi?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kechi's water come from?
Kechi's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,536 residents.
How does Kechi's water compare to other cities?
Kechi ranks #161 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 50% of state cities) and #7779 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.