Water Quality in Chadds Ford, PA: 2 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 34/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Chadds Ford's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA monitoring has flagged 2 reportable events for water systems in Chadds Ford, PA.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Chadds Ford
Water quality varies across Chadds Ford's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19317 | F | 34 | 2 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 34 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Chadds Ford have accumulated 2 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 50 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Chadds Ford's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Chadds Ford water systems is 0.0215 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Chadds Ford has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Chadds Ford is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Chadds Ford
Chadds Ford is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 50 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chadds Ford. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Chadds Ford
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Chadds Ford Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Chadds Ford's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chadds Ford. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-16 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-26.
Chadds Ford vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Chadds Ford's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chadds Ford | F | 2 | 1 | 50 |
| Douglassville | D | 2 | 1 | 50 |
| Earlville | D | 0 | 1 | 50 |
| Falls | D | 4 | 1 | 50 |
Common Questions About Chadds Ford Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania:
Is Chadds Ford water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Chadds Ford's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Chadds Ford tap water? Chadds Ford's water receives a grade of F (34/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Chadds Ford? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Chadds Ford vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Chadds Ford compares to the broader Pennsylvania average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Chadds Ford.
ZIP Codes in Chadds Ford
Chadds Ford spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 19317. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.