Is Kennett Square, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Kennett Square tap water is legally compliant, but 2 contaminants exceed health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 15.67 ppt, PFOS: 12.03 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each); nitrate at 6.93 mg/L (above the health guideline of 5 mg/L). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Kennett Square Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Kennett Square Compares
Kennett Square's water is 42% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 61% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #20 of 31 cities (18% below the state average of 97 PPM). Among smaller cities, Kennett Square ranks #145 of 288 for hardness.
What Kennett Square's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 80 PPM - Low Concern
Kennett Square's water is moderately hard at 80 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are a serious concern here. Kennett Square has PFOA at 15.67 ppt and PFOS at 12.03 ppt — the EPA's 2024 limit is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually. PFAS don't break down in your body or the environment. Research links long-term exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. The fix: a whole-house activated carbon filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system. Look for NSF P473 certification — that's the standard that specifically tests for PFAS removal.
What's in the Treatment Process
Kennett Square's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 19.2 ppb (24% of the legal limit, but 128x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 14.2 ppb (24% of the legal limit, but 142x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.0963 ppb, which is 4.8x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 80 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 140 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 77.67 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 15.67 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 12.03 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 5 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 6.93 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ⚠ Elevated |
Recommendations for Kennett Square Homes
Recommended Filter for Kennett Square
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 15.67 ppt, PFOS: 12.03 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1 mg/L chlorine, many Kennett Square residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Kennett Square
With PFAS at 77.67 ppt in Kennett Square's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request Kennett Township Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Kennett Square's Water Supply
Water Utility: Kennett Township Water
Water Source: Red Clay Creek (Surface Water)
Population Served: 6,328
Hardness: 80 PPM (4.7 grains per gallon)
Kennett Square's drinking water comes from surface sources — Red Clay Creek. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 6,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request Kennett Township Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by Kennett Township Water in Kennett Square, PA, including ZIP codes:
17509, 19310, 19311, 19317, 19318, 19320, 19330, 19345, 19346, 19348, 19357, 19358, 19365, 19366, 19367, 19369, 19374, 19375, 19390, 19707, 19736
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Kennett Square to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Kennett Square Water
Is Kennett Square tap water safe to drink?
Where does Kennett Square's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Kennett Square?
Is Kennett Square water safe for babies and infants?
How do I remove PFAS from Kennett Square tap water?
What water filter is best for Kennett Square?
What is the hardness of Kennett Square water in grains per gallon?
What are disinfection byproducts in Kennett Square's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Kennett Square Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 80 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Kennett Square's water data.