Is Kenly, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.1/100
waterverge.com Kenly, NC — Water Quality Report
Kenly's drinking water received a grade of C (62.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,301 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 65 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kenly's water
Kenly ranks #276 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Kenly may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kenly, NC water safe to drink?
Kenly's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,301 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kenly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kenly's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kenly's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kenly's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Little River, Contentnea Creek.
Where does Kenly's water come from?
Kenly's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,301 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little River (river), Contentnea Creek (river).
What Kenly residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kenly's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Kenly's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kenly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kenly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONESTOGA KENLY PLANT & SPRAYROOM KENLY, NC27542 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJohnston County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Johnston County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kenly compares by contaminant
Explore where Kenly ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kenly's water comes from
Kenly's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,301 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kenly
Kenly is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kenly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENLY, TOWN OF | NC0351030 | 2,301 | SWP |
How Kenly compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Kenly's score of 62.1/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Kenly, NC
Wikipedia →Kenly is a town in Johnston and Wilson counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It was named for John R. Kenly, Northern Division Superintendent of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, who later became president of the railroad in 1913. As of the 2020 census, Kenly had a population of 1,491.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kenly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnston
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenly, NC tap water safe to drink?
Kenly's water quality earned a grade of C (62.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #276 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Kenly's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Kenly's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Kenly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kenly's water come from?
Kenly's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,301 residents.
What health violations has Kenly's water system had?
Kenly has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kenly's water compare to other cities?
Kenly ranks #276 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 34% of state cities) and #11918 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kenly's small water system affect quality?
Kenly's system serves approximately 2,301 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 65 violations on record.