Tap Water Results

Is Gardner, KS tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for City of Gardner. 1 PFAS were detected below the limits.

2 public water systems serve parts of Gardner. The largest, City of Gardner, serves 23,942 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

City of Gardner

23,942 people · Surface water · EPA ID KS2009106

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 3.1 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2023, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Kansas, 3 of 102 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 3 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Kansas results.

Gardner homes and lead pipes

15%
of homes built before 1980 (Kansas 56%, US 50%)
3%
built before 1950 (Kansas 21%)
32%
of households rent (Kansas 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Gardner city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Gardner

  • Johnson County Rural Water District 7
    6,457 people · Purchased surface water · Kansas · lists this city
    Lithium above screening level

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Olathe 7 mi
City of Olathe
City of OlatheNone above limits11 ppb
Lawrence 21 mi
City of Lawrence
City of LawrenceNone above limits3 ppb
Kansas City 24 mi
Water District 1 of Johnson County
Water District 1 of Johnson CountyNone above limits6.48 ppb
Leavenworth 35 mi
Leavenworth Water Department
Leavenworth Water DepartmentNone above limits0 ppb
Topeka 44 mi
City of Topeka
City of TopekaNone above limits1.4 ppb
Manhattan 94 mi
City of Manhattan
City of ManhattanNone above limits0.8 ppb
Gardner ZIP codes (1)
  • 66030

Questions

Is Gardner tap water safe to drink?

City of Gardner has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Gardner, KS?

2 public water systems serve parts of Gardner. The largest is City of Gardner (23,942 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Gardner tap water have PFAS?

City of Gardner had 1 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Gardner homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 15% of Gardner homes as built before 1980 (Kansas: 56%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. City of Gardner's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.