ABC News Highlights Ongoing Community Concerns About 29th & Grove Groundwater Contamination
A recent ABC News investigation looks at the history of groundwater contamination near 29th & Grove, community concerns about accountability, and the continuing effort to connect residents with information and resources.
May 6, 2026
A recent ABC News story examined the long history of groundwater contamination in the area commonly referred to as 29th & Grove in northeast Wichita and the ongoing concerns voiced by community members.
The article explores how contamination involving the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is believed to have originated decades ago and later spread through groundwater beneath parts of northeast Wichita. Residents interviewed by ABC News shared concerns about how information about the contamination was communicated over time and described the impact the issue has had on families and neighborhoods.
The report also discusses efforts by local leaders, health officials, and community organizations to improve access to information, health resources, and testing opportunities for people who may have been exposed.
In addition, the article references a 2023 health study conducted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which found elevated rates of certain cancers within the study area compared to Sedgwick County and the state as a whole. Researchers noted that the study was not able to determine whether groundwater contamination caused those health outcomes.
Today, free health testing is available through Clearway Testing for people who lived, worked, went to school, attended church, or spent time near the 29th & Grove area from the 1970s to today. Testing is designed to help people better understand their health and connect with trusted medical care when needed.
Community members interested in learning more about groundwater contamination, health testing, and available resources can visit ClearwayTesting.org.
Read the original ABC News story