D
45

Poor Water Quality

Kemp, TX 75143

Kaufman County · Population served: 45,602 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
WEST CEDAR CREEK MUD
Surface water · Pop. 24,414
PWSID: TX1070190
🏔
CITY OF KEMP
Surface water · Pop. 1,283
PWSID: TX1290004
🏔
CITY OF MABANK
Surface water · Pop. 15,207
PWSID: TX1290005
🏔
BECKER-JIBA SUD
Surface water · Pop. 3,741
PWSID: TX1290011
🏔
COUNTRY CLUB WSC
Surface water · Pop. 957
PWSID: TX1290038

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
6.3
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

3 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA16.1 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBA9.4 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBA7.3 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

47Total (5yr)
9Health-Based
19Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Kemp

Tap water quality in Kemp, Texas (75143) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 45 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 24 points below the Texas state average of 68. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 5 water systems providing water to approximately 45,602 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 3 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 47 violations, including 9 health-based violations.

Your Score 45/100 D
vs State 24 pts below Texas avg (68)
vs National 30 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 45/100 signals poor water quality in Kemp, TX. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

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 Kemp, Texas receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 45/100. 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 75143 is served by 5 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 45,602 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead was detected at 6.3 ppb in Kemp, Texas. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

3 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Kemp, Texas, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.

Water systems serving Kemp, Texas have received 47 violations in the last 5 years, including 9 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 Kemp, Texas 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.

Explore Nearby

Water Quality in Nearby ZIP Codes