HAA5 Contamination

HAA5 in Kansas Drinking Water

Ranked by average HAA5 concentration (µg/L) · UCMR 4 data (2018–2020) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

% Exceeds Limit

13.8 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 1% vs national

vs National

270

Health Violations

Analysis

HAA5 in Kansas: what the data shows

Kansas has 39 cities with HAA5 monitoring data from the EPA's UCMR 4 program (2018–2020). Haloacetic acids (HAA5) form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water. The state average is 13.8 µg/L — better than the 15.5 µg/L national average. No cities currently exceed the 60 µg/L EPA MCL. HAA5 is a group of five chlorinated and brominated acetic acids. Long-term exposure above the MCL is associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. The EPA classifies total HAA5 as a probable human carcinogen at elevated concentrations. Activated carbon filtration (especially granular or block carbon) is effective at reducing HAA5. Running water through a refrigerator filter or letting it sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes also helps, as some HAA5 species are volatile. Boiling does not remove disinfection byproducts and may concentrate them.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 60 µg/L EPA MCL

Kansas

0 of 39 cities

← ▼ 1% below national rate (better)

National avg

23 of 4420 cities

City Map

HAA5 data across Kansas

Each dot is a city with UCMR 4 HAA5 testing data. Cities where average HAA5 exceeded the 60 µg/L EPA MCL are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by haa5 level in Kansas

Highest HAA5 levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Kansas cities ranked by haa5 level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Topeka	41.5 µg/L	No	56	F
2	Wellington	39.8 µg/L	No	32	C-
3	Waverly	38.1 µg/L	No	1	A-
4	Parsons	37.5 µg/L	No	71	C+
5	Ottawa	37.3 µg/L	No	22	C+
6	Salina	26.7 µg/L	No	9	F
7	Neosho Rapids	24.3 µg/L	No	0	B+
8	Lawrence	22.0 µg/L	No	2	B-
9	Atchison	21.3 µg/L	No	55	C-
10	Fort Leavenworth	20.5 µg/L	No	4	A+
11	El Dorado	20.1 µg/L	No	32	D
12	Kansas City	14.4 µg/L	No	1	A-
13	Olathe	14.1 µg/L	No	5	B
14	Junction City	13.9 µg/L	No	21	D
15	Augusta	13.8 µg/L	No	18	B
16	Gardner	13.4 µg/L	No	11	A-
17	Derby	13.0 µg/L	No	11	B-
18	Hays	12.7 µg/L	No	49	F
19	Benton	11.6 µg/L	No	1	A-
20	Winfield	11.5 µg/L	No	8	B
21	Manhattan	10.8 µg/L	No	19	C-
22	Fort Riley	10.5 µg/L	No	9	A-
23	Leavenworth	10.4 µg/L	No	6	B-
24	Pittsburg	9.2 µg/L	No	11	B
25	Wichita	9.1 µg/L	No	4	B+
26	Iola	7.8 µg/L	No	19	D+
27	Garden City	5.9 µg/L	No	76	F
28	Hutchinson	5.4 µg/L	No	5	D+
29	Arkansas City	5.0 µg/L	No	7	C-
30	Newton	3.3 µg/L	No	2	B+
31	Haysville	2.6 µg/L	No	4	A
32	Emporia	2.4 µg/L	No	16	C+
33	Sedgwick	2.3 µg/L	No	0	B+
34	Great Bend	2.1 µg/L	No	21	F
35	Liberal	2.0 µg/L	No	9	D
36	Dodge City	1.5 µg/L	No	12	A-
37	Mcpherson	0.9 µg/L	No	0	B+
38	Frontenac	0.4 µg/L	No	15	B
39	Coldwater	0.0 µg/L	No	10	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about haa5 in Kansas

What is HAA5 and why does it appear in Kansas tap water?

HAA5 (haloacetic acids) are disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. They are a normal byproduct of the disinfection process that makes water safe to drink. No cities in Kansas currently exceed the 60 µg/L EPA MCL. The state average is 13.8 µg/L.

How can I reduce HAA5 exposure from Kansas drinking water?

Activated carbon filters (granular or block) effectively reduce HAA5. Refrigerator filters and under-sink carbon systems are convenient options. Unlike lead or PFAS, HAA5 levels can also be reduced by letting water stand in an open container, as some species evaporate. Boiling does NOT remove HAA5 and can concentrate them by reducing water volume.

Which Kansas cities have the highest HAA5 levels?

The cities with the highest average HAA5 concentrations in Kansas are: Topeka (41.5 µg/L), Wellington (39.8 µg/L), Waverly (38.1 µg/L), Parsons (37.5 µg/L), Ottawa (37.3 µg/L). Note: this data is from UCMR 4 testing (2018–2020) and may not reflect current levels.

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