Water Quality in Kennett Square, PA: 49 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Kennett Square's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Kennett Square, PA log 49 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Kennett Square
Water quality varies across Kennett Square's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19348 | D | 50 | 49 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Kennett Square.
Water Quality Overview
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Kennett Square have accumulated 49 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 6,888 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Kennett Square's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Kennett Square is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Kennett Square 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
Kennett Square 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 Kennett Square
Kennett Square is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 6,888 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Kennett Square. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Kennett Square
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 Kennett Square Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Kennett Square's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Kennett Square:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Kennett Square. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-10-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-28 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-12.
Kennett Square vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Kennett Square's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennett Square | D | 49 | 3 | 6,888 |
| Towanda | D | 30 | 4 | 6,886 |
| Morgantown | C | 7 | 5 | 6,797 |
| Acme | C | 0 | 1 | 7,000 |
Common Questions About Kennett Square Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania:
Is Kennett Square water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Kennett Square's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Kennett Square tap water? Kennett Square's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Kennett Square? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Kennett Square vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Kennett Square 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 Kennett Square.
ZIP Codes in Kennett Square
Kennett Square spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 19348. 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.