Water Quality in Kent, WA
Kent's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 16 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Kent Falls
Kent blends Tacoma Water's Green River supply with local wells. The Puget Sound region has naturally soft water.
What Kent's Water Means for Your Home
Kent's water is soft at 16 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Kent, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Kent's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.8 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 16 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 48 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 3 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 3 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 0.8 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
About Kent's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Kent
Water Source: Tacoma Water (Green River), wells
Population Served: 136,588
Hardness: 16 PPM (0.9 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Kent. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Compare Kent to Other Washington Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Kent Water
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Is Kent water safe for babies and infants?
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Kent Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.