Is Lecompton, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Lecompton, KS — Water Quality Report
Lecompton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 952 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lecompton's water
Lecompton ranks #153 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.
As a small community water system, Lecompton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lecompton, KS water safe to drink?
Lecompton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 952 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lecompton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lecompton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Lecompton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lecompton's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Perry Lk Nr Perry, Delaware R, Kansas R, Clinton Lk Nr Lawrence, Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence.
Where does Lecompton's water come from?
Lecompton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 952 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Perry Lk Nr Perry (lake), Delaware R (river), Kansas R (river), Clinton Lk Nr Lawrence (lake), Wakarusa R Nr Lawrence (river).
What Lecompton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lecompton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lecompton'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 Lecompton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lecompton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18,754 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FUTAMURA USA INC TECUMSEH, KS66542 | Carbon disulfide | 18,754 | 8.9 mi |
LAWRENCE ENERGY CENTER LAWRENCE, KS66049 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
POST CONSUMER BRANDS LAWRENCE, KS66049 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP LAWRENCE TECHNOLOGY CENTER LAWRENCE, KS66049 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lecompton compares by contaminant
Explore where Lecompton ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lecompton's water comes from
Lecompton'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 952 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lecompton
Lecompton is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lecompton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LECOMPTON, CITY OF | KS2004501 | 592 | SWP |
| DOUGLAS CO RWD 6 | KS2004512 | 360 | SWP |
How Lecompton compares
Full Kansas rankings →Lecompton's score of 81.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Lecompton, KS
Wikipedia →Lecompton is a city in Lecompton Township, Douglas County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 588. Lecompton, located on the Kansas River, was the de jure territorial capital of Kansas from 1855 to 1861, and the Douglas County seat from 1855 to 1858. Anti-slavery Lawrence became the de facto capital during the latter part of this period, when the county seat was moved there. This time period was known as Bleeding Kansas, due to the violence perpetrated by opposing pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the eastern part of the state. Lecompton was a hotbed of pro-slavery sentiment during the mid-1800s.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lecompton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Douglas
Frequently asked questions
Is Lecompton, KS tap water safe to drink?
Lecompton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #153 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Lecompton's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Lecompton'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 Lecompton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lecompton's water come from?
Lecompton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 952 residents.
How does Lecompton's water compare to other cities?
Lecompton ranks #153 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 53% of state cities) and #7571 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.