Water Quality in Kansas City, MO

Kansas City's water has very hard water (215 PPM) and PFAS above EPA limits (5 ppt). A water softener is recommended to protect plumbing and appliances. An activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels. Read below for a full breakdown.

KC Water · Source: Missouri River · Serves 508,090 residents

215
Hardness (PPM)
444
TDS (PPM)
1.1
Chlorine (mg/L)
5
PFAS (ppt)
4
Lead (ppb)
215 PPM 0 400 Very Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 215 PPM TDS 444 PPM PFAS 5 ppt Lead 4 ppb Chlorine 1.1 mg/L Nitrate 4 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Kansas City Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterAgricultural runoff

Missouri River picks up minerals and agricultural runoff across the Great Plains.

What Kansas City's Water Means for Your Home

Kansas City residents deal with some of the hardest municipal water in the country. At 215 PPM (12.6 grains per gallon), the water contains high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from the regional geology as surface water is treated and distributed. This is not a safety issue. The minerals are safe to consume. But they create real, measurable costs for homeowners. Hard water at 215 PPM costs the average household $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden expenses, including higher energy bills from scale-insulated water heaters, increased soap and detergent usage, and premature appliance failure. Many Kansas City homeowners discover this only after a water heater replacement or plumber visit.

PFAS contamination is a significant concern in Kansas City. At 5 parts per trillion, levels exceed the EPA's 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, which is why they are called "forever chemicals." Long-term exposure has been associated with increased cancer risk, thyroid disruption, and immune system effects. A whole-house activated carbon filter or point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS to safe levels. Look for NSF P473 certification when comparing products.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)215 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit⚠ Very Hard
Total Dissolved Solids444 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM⚠ Elevated
PFAS (total)5 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)⚠ Above limit
Lead4 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.1 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate4 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Kansas City Homes

🧂 Water Softener
At 215 PPM (12.6 GPG), Kansas City's water is very hard. Scale will accumulate in pipes, water heaters, and on fixtures. A salt-based ion exchange softener removes the calcium and magnesium causing the problem. For a typical Kansas City household of 2 to 4 people, a 48,000-grain softener is the right starting size.
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🔬 Activated Carbon Filter for PFAS
PFAS detected at 5 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects with long-term exposure. A whole-house granular activated carbon (GAC) filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system can reduce PFAS. Look for NSF P473 certification, which specifically tests for PFAS removal.
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About Kansas City's Water Supply

Water Utility: KC Water

Water Source: Missouri River

Population Served: 508,090

Hardness: 215 PPM (12.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by KC Water. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Kansas City to Other Missouri Cities

St. Louis

150 PPM · Hard

Springfield

299 PPM · Extremely Hard

Columbia

251 PPM · Extremely Hard

Independence

186 PPM · Very Hard

Lee's Summit

211 PPM · Very Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Water

Is Kansas City tap water safe to drink?
Kansas City's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. PFAS levels exceed the 2024 EPA health standard, which is a concern for long-term exposure. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Kansas City?
Yes. At 215 PPM (12.6 GPG), Kansas City's water is very hard. Without a softener, expect visible scale buildup on faucets and shower heads, reduced water heater efficiency (15 to 25 percent higher energy costs), spotted dishes and glassware, and soap that does not lather well. A salt-based water softener is the standard solution. For a typical Kansas City home with 2 to 4 residents, a 48,000-grain system is the most common starting size.
What water filter is best for Kansas City?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For PFAS, look for a filter with NSF P473 certification. Granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis systems are both effective. Standard carbon pitcher filters may not remove PFAS adequately. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Kansas City's water come from?
Kansas City's drinking water is sourced from Missouri River and treated by KC Water. Missouri River picks up minerals and agricultural runoff across the Great Plains..
What is the hardness of Kansas City water in grains per gallon?
Kansas City's water hardness is 12.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 215 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as very hard. Most water softener manufacturers recommend treatment above 7 GPG. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Kansas City water damage tankless water heaters?
Yes. Most tankless water heater manufacturers recommend water hardness below 7 to 11 GPG (120 to 188 PPM). At 12.6 GPG, Kansas City's water exceeds this threshold. Scale buildup inside the heat exchanger reduces efficiency and can void the manufacturer's warranty. A water softener installed upstream of the tankless heater is the standard solution.
Is Kansas City water safe for babies and infants?
Kansas City's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.
How much does hard water cost a Kansas City household per year?
At 215 PPM, hard water costs the average Kansas City household an estimated $800 to $1,200 per year in hidden costs. This includes 15 to 25 percent higher water heating bills from scale insulation, 50 to 75 percent more soap and detergent usage, shorter appliance lifespans (water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines), and increased plumbing maintenance. A water softener typically costs $600 to $1,500 installed and $50 to $100 per year in salt, which means most Kansas City households see a return on investment within 1 to 2 years.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the KC Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.