Chadds Ford, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 34/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Chadds Ford reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in PA — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Chadds Ford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Chadds Ford Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0215 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 52% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $7,020 per household.
Chadds Ford's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in Chadds Ford, PA, water accountability is distributed across 5 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania (population ~10,844), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 1,019,496 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chadds Ford: F (34/100)
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
Chadds Ford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0215 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19317 | F | 2 | 1 | Aqua Pa Main System |
All ZIP Codes in Chadds Ford
- 19317 [F] — 2 violations ⚠
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.
What's in Chadds Ford's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Chadds Ford Infrastructure Age
With 52% 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
The character of Chadds Ford's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1984 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Chadds Ford 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Chadds Ford
The equity impact of remediation in Chadds Ford sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Chadds Ford. The estimated $4,630–$9,560 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 176% above the Pennsylvania average.
Chadds Ford: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Locally in Chadds Ford, 52% of housing comes from before the solder rule, and citywide monitoring has crossed the federal action mark. That joint signal keeps in-home tests and certified filtration at a household-level priority, particularly where small kids are present.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Chadds Ford: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP claim record for Chadds Ford — 106 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Chadds Ford has a moderate flood history with 106 FEMA claims averaging $40,504 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$7,020</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Chadds Ford
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Chadds Ford's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 52% 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 Chadds Ford, PA