Kempner, TX Water Safety: 90/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current TX EPA data, Kempner's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Kempner Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kempner Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0039 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.81 — above typical levels.
Kempner's Water Providers
Water supply in Kempner, TX follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 5 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kempner, Texas (population ~8,642), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 258,586 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kempner — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kempner: A (90/100)
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
Kempner water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0039 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76539 | A | Kempner Water Supply Corporation | 17,721 |
All ZIP Codes in Kempner
- 76539 [A]
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.
Kempner Community Health Snapshot
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
Kempner Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Cities with large shares of pre-1986 housing carry elevated aggregate risk from lead-soldered plumbing; Kempner sits on the lower end of that spectrum. The median build year of 1992 reflects a housing stock in which post-ban construction is dominant — meaning lead-soldered copper joints are less prevalent across the city as a whole. Still, aggregate figures don't tell you what's happening inside a specific older home. Any structure built before 1986, and particularly those built before 1970 when lead pipes were commonly installed, can still present meaningful lead risk regardless of the city-wide picture.
Most homes in Kempner were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kempner
Setting Kempner remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in Kempner are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,500–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the Texas average.
Kempner: 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.
Reading aggregate data alone gives a clean picture for Kempner — system samples below the federal action mark and 28% pre-rule housing — yet that math averages many service connections. A one-tap draw gives the only direct read for a specific home.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Kempner: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Kempner's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 18 NFIP claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Kempner has a moderate flood history with 18 FEMA claims averaging $21,563 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>$2,300</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kempner, TX