Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Kansas Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

13%

% Over HRL

689.4 µg/L

State Avg

▲ 7% vs national

vs National

270

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Kansas: what the data shows

Kansas has 39 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 5 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 689.4 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Kansas

13%

5 of 39 cities

→ ▲ 7% above national rate (worse)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Kansas

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Kansas

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Kansas cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Garden City	4510.0 µg/L	Over HRL	76	F
2	Dodge City	2047.1 µg/L	Over HRL	12	A-
3	Johnson City	2030.0 µg/L	Over HRL	0	A-
4	Liberal	1675.8 µg/L	Over HRL	9	D
5	Larned	1600.0 µg/L	Over HRL	9	B-
6	Great Bend	1220.0 µg/L	No	21	F
7	Russell	1130.0 µg/L	No	37	F
8	Bonner Springs	838.1 µg/L	No	3	B
9	Mcpherson	611.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
10	Kansas City	610.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
11	Atchison	600.0 µg/L	No	55	C-
12	Coffeyville	600.0 µg/L	No	23	C+
13	Topeka	567.0 µg/L	No	56	F
14	Fort Riley	486.0 µg/L	No	9	A-
15	Haysville	478.7 µg/L	No	4	A
16	Frankfort	456.5 µg/L	No	4	B+
17	Linwood	453.0 µg/L	No	7	B
18	Belleville	450.0 µg/L	No	21	D+
19	Arkansas City	430.0 µg/L	No	7	C-
20	Olathe	410.0 µg/L	No	5	B
21	Salina	410.0 µg/L	No	9	F
22	Hays	400.0 µg/L	No	49	F
23	Lawrence	378.0 µg/L	No	2	B-
24	Hutchinson	374.0 µg/L	No	5	D+
25	Winfield	347.0 µg/L	No	8	B
26	Burden	331.0 µg/L	No	8	B+
27	Wichita	330.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
28	Newton	325.2 µg/L	No	2	B+
29	Manhattan	290.0 µg/L	No	19	C-
30	Junction City	290.0 µg/L	No	21	D
31	Leavenworth	268.0 µg/L	No	6	B-
32	Derby	260.0 µg/L	No	11	B-
33	Gardner	260.0 µg/L	No	11	A-
34	Pittsburg	252.0 µg/L	No	11	B
35	Ottawa	250.0 µg/L	No	22	C+
36	Hillsdale	249.0 µg/L	No	11	A-
37	Emporia	240.0 µg/L	No	16	C+
38	Parsons	220.0 µg/L	No	71	C+
39	El Dorado	210.0 µg/L	No	32	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Kansas

Is strontium in Kansas tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 5 cities in Kansas exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

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