Is Meriden, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Meriden, KS — Water Quality Report
Meriden's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,343 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 36 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Meriden's water
Meriden ranks #139 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Meriden relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Meriden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Meriden, KS water safe to drink?
Meriden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,343 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Meriden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Meriden's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Meriden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Meriden's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 4 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 Ab Topeka Weir, Kansas R, Perry Lk Nr Perry.
Where does Meriden's water come from?
Meriden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,343 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kansas R Ab Topeka Weir (river), Kansas R (river), Perry Lk Nr Perry (lake).
What Meriden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Meriden'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.
Meriden'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 Meriden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Meriden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18,770 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FUTAMURA USA INC TECUMSEH, KS66542 | Carbon disulfide | 18,754 | 9.5 mi |
THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO TOPEKA, KS66618 | Lead compounds | 16 | 9.7 mi |
INDUSTRIAL CHROME INC DBA ICI MANUFACTURING TOPEKA, KS66608 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Meriden's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Meriden compares by contaminant
Explore where Meriden ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Meriden's water comes from
Meriden's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,343 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Meriden
Meriden is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Meriden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEFFERSON CO RWD 1 | KS2008706 | 2,343 | GW |
How Meriden compares
Full Kansas rankings →Meriden's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Meriden, KS
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Meriden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Meriden, KS tap water safe to drink?
Meriden's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #139 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Meriden's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Meriden'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 Meriden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Meriden's water come from?
Meriden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,343 residents.
What health violations has Meriden's water system had?
Meriden has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Meriden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Meriden uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 36 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Meriden's water compare to other cities?
Meriden ranks #139 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 57% of state cities) and #7308 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Meriden's small water system affect quality?
Meriden's system serves approximately 2,343 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 36 violations on record.