Is Silver Lake, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Silver Lake, KS — Water Quality Report
Silver Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,337 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 9 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Silver Lake's water
Silver Lake ranks #49 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Silver Lake 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, Silver Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Silver Lake, KS water safe to drink?
Silver Lake's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,337 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Silver Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Silver Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Silver Lake'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
Silver Lake's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shawnee 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 Cross C, Kansas R Ab Topeka Weir, Soldier C Nr Delia, Soldier C Nr Topeka, Shunganunga C.
Where does Silver Lake's water come from?
Silver Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,337 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cross C (river), Kansas R Ab Topeka Weir (river), Soldier C Nr Delia (river), Soldier C Nr Topeka (river), Shunganunga C (river).
What Silver Lake 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.
Silver Lake'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 Silver Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Silver Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO TOPEKA, KS66618 | Lead compounds | 16 | 8.6 mi |
BIG HEART PET BRANDS TOPEKA, KS66618 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC TOPEKA, KS66618 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Shawnee 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 Silver Lake'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.59 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.594 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Silver Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Silver Lake ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Silver Lake's water comes from
Silver Lake'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 1,337 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Silver Lake
Silver Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Silver Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER LAKE, CITY OF | KS2017714 | 1,337 | GW |
How Silver Lake compares
Full Kansas rankings →Silver Lake's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Silver Lake, KS
Wikipedia →Silver Lake is a city in Shawnee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,345.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Silver Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shawnee
Frequently asked questions
Is Silver Lake, KS tap water safe to drink?
Silver Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Silver Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Silver Lake'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 Silver Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Silver Lake's water come from?
Silver Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,337 residents.
What health violations has Silver Lake's water system had?
Silver Lake has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Silver Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Silver Lake 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 9 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 Silver Lake's water compare to other cities?
Silver Lake ranks #49 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 85% of state cities) and #4681 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Silver Lake's small water system affect quality?
Silver Lake's system serves approximately 1,337 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 9 violations on record.