D
50

US Water Score: D

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Delaware County · Population served: 822,600 · Data updated July 2026

Service-area evidence: EPA service-area records associate the listed system with this ZIP. Boundaries may still overlap or change.

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
AQUA PA MAIN SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 822,600
PWSID: PA1460073
🏔
CHESTER WATER AUTHORITY
Surface water · Pop. 140,437
PWSID: PA1230004
🏔
VEOLIA WATER BETHEL
Surface water · Pop. 7,809
PWSID: PA1230012
🌊
BERKS HILL ESTATES
Groundwater · Pop. 50
PWSID: PA3060058

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
21.5
15 ppb 1 ppb

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

9 detected 3 above comparison value

UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.

CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA29.6 pptNo standard500 pptNo federal MCL shown
PFHxA24.9 pptNo standard400 pptNo federal MCL shown
PFPeA24.2 pptNo standardNo federal MCL shown
PFOA22.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptAbove comparison value
PFHpA21.9 pptNo standardNo federal MCL shown
PFNA12.0 ppt10 ppt10 pptAbove comparison value
PFBS9.5 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow comparison value
PFOS9.2 ppt4 ppt4 pptAbove comparison value

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

33Total (5yr)
2Health-Based
27Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Chadds Ford

Tap water quality in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania (19317) receives an overall grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 50 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 14 points below the Pennsylvania state average of 64. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 4 water systems providing water to approximately 822,600 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Notably, 3 PFAS compounds exceed the EPA final MCL value used for comparison — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 33 violations, including 2 health-based violations.

Your Score 50/100 D
vs State 14 pts below Pennsylvania avg (64)
vs National 25 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 50/100 flags significant system-level concerns in the US Water Score model for Chadds Ford, PA. These may include violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS detections. Review the detailed records, your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and qualified local guidance.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania receives a grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 50/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 19317 is served by 4 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 822,600 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead levels in the public-system record for Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania are 21.5 ppb, above the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower that action level to 10 ppb when the new requirements take effect. This system-level result does not measure an individual tap; consider a certified lead-removal filter and independent tap testing.

Yes — 9 PFAS compounds were detected in records associated with water serving Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and 3 results exceeded the numerical EPA MCL value used for comparison. UCMR5 occurrence results alone are not a regulatory compliance determination. PFAS rules and compliance timelines are evolving; verify current information with the utility and EPA.

Water systems serving Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania have received 33 violations in the last 5 years, including 2 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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