Kent, OR Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Kent reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in OR — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Kent Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Kent Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 92% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.27 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Kent
Federal records list 1 water system serving Kent, OR. One provider accounts for the large majority of residential water connections in the area, concentrating infrastructure and compliance accountability.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kent, Oregon, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 126 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kent — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kent: 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 water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kent
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97033 | D | SHANIKO WATER SYSTEM | 38 |
All ZIP Codes in Kent
- 97033 [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
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's Housing Stock?
With 92% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Kent — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1948 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Kent 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Kent
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.
92% — that captures the slice of Kent housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Kent
- 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 92% 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, OR