Is Kent, WA tap water safe?
Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it
Summary
No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Kent Water Department. 1 PFAS were detected below the limits.
4 public water systems serve parts of Kent. The largest, Kent Water Department, serves 166,421 people. Your water bill names your system.
Largest system
Kent Water Department
166,421 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID WA5338150
Buys treated water from City of Renton, Soos Creek Water & Sewer District, Lake Meridian Water District, City of Auburn, City of Tacoma Water Division, Highline Water District, Tukwila Water Department.
| PFAS | Highest average | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFOS Not detected | – | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| PFNA Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) Not detected | – | 10 ppt |
ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.
Lead: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2024, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0
Across Washington, 20 of 245 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 17 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Washington results.
Kent homes and lead pipes
Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.
Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Kent city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.
Other water systems serving Kent
- Highline Water District100,170 people · Purchased surface water · Washington · reported ZIPs hereNo PFAS above limits
- Soos Creek Water & Sewer District74,172 people · Purchased surface water · Washington · reported ZIPs hereNo PFAS above limits
- Lake Meridian Water District24,231 people · Purchased surface water · Washington · reported ZIPs hereLithium above screening level
How nearby cities compare
| City | PFAS | Lead (90th pct.) |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines 5 mi Highline Water District | None above limits | 1.4 ppb |
| Auburn 6 mi Lakehaven Water and Sewer District | None above limits | 3.3 ppb |
| Renton 6 mi City of Renton | None above limits | 1.9 ppb |
| Federal Way 8 mi Lakehaven Water and Sewer District | None above limits | 3.3 ppb |
| Burien 9 mi Highline Water District | None above limits | 1.4 ppb |
| Mercer Island 12 mi City of Mercer Island | None above limits | – |
Kent ZIP codes (3)
- 98030
- 98031
- 98032
Questions
Is Kent tap water safe to drink?
Kent Water Department has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.
Who supplies water in Kent, WA?
4 public water systems serve parts of Kent. The largest is Kent Water Department (166,421 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.
Does Kent tap water have PFAS?
Kent Water Department had 1 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.
Do Kent homes have lead pipes?
Census estimates put 39% of Kent homes as built before 1980 (Washington: 43%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Kent Water Department's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.
Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.