Kent City, MI Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Kent City reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in MI — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Kent City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Kent City Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 55% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.13 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Kent City
Water delivery in Kent City, MI is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kent City, Michigan, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,619 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kent City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kent City: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Kent City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kent City
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49330 | D | Kent Ridge Apartments | 120 |
All ZIP Codes in Kent City
- 49330 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Kent City
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Kent City's Housing Stock?
With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Kent City's housing stock carries a median build year of 1988. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Kent City were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Kent City: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Kent City valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Kent City are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% above the Michigan average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Kent City
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 55% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Kent City address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Kent City
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 55% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kent City, MI