PFAS in Drinking Water in Kansas
What residents of Kansas need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas has documented PFAS contamination primarily from McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita and Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range in Saline County. McConnell AFB AFFF contamination has affected groundwater in southern Wichita and neighboring communities, making it one of the most significant urban PFAS contamination cases in the Great Plains.
Where does PFAS come from in Kansas?
McConnell AFB is the dominant PFAS source in Kansas, with documented plumes extending into the Arkansas River alluvial aquifer underlying southern Wichita. PFAS from AFFF used at flight line operations and fire training has been detected in monitoring wells both on and off base. Wichita draws from both surface water and the alluvial aquifer, and some wells have required shutdown or treatment.
What should Kansas residents know?
Wichita — Kansas's largest city — has dealt directly with PFAS contamination from McConnell AFB. The city has taken wells offline and is working on alternative water sourcing. This represents one of the most direct impacts of military PFAS contamination on a major urban water supply in the U.S. Residents served by Wichita Water & Sewer should review the utility's current PFAS data.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination source | McConnell AFB (adjacent to southern Wichita) — AFFF contamination of alluvial aquifer |
| Urban impact | City of Wichita has shut down affected wells — major urban water supply impact |
| State regulator | Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune suppression, developmental effects |
| Effective treatment | Granular activated carbon (GAC) or reverse osmosis; Wichita evaluating utility-scale treatment |
Why PFAS Matters in Kansas
Wichita's water supply situation from McConnell AFB PFAS contamination has been one of the most closely watched cases in the country. The city has documented PFAS in the alluvial aquifer underlying southern Wichita, closed affected wells, and is pursuing both alternative water sources and treatment options. McConnell AFB sits adjacent to the city's southern boundary, with AFFF plumes extending into city-managed groundwater zones. Kansas KDHE and the Air Force have been engaged in remediation negotiations. This case has become a reference point for military PFAS liability and remediation nationally.
Historical Context
McConnell AFB's PFAS contamination of Wichita's groundwater became a significant national case study after the city documented widespread AFFF plume migration. Wichita's proactive response — closing affected wells and seeking remediation funding from the Air Force — has been cited in Congressional testimony and EPA rulemaking discussions.
Kansas PFAS Regulation
Kansas KDHE participates in UCMR5 monitoring and has assessed PFAS at McConnell AFB near Wichita, which has documented groundwater contamination from AFFF. Wichita area utilities draw from the Equus Beds Aquifer, and contamination plume monitoring near McConnell is ongoing. Kansas follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Kansas Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Kansas utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Wichita residents served by city water wells in the southern part of the service area, and private well users in communities south and southeast of McConnell AFB, face the highest documented risk. Derby and Haysville communities adjacent to Wichita's southern boundary should also monitor available PFAS data.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Kansas
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Kansas utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Kansas utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Kansas PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Kansas State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Kansas Department of Health and Environment ↗