Water Quality in Ashland, KY: 4 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Ashland's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Ashland, KY show 4 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ashland
Water quality varies across Ashland's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41102 | D | 41 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 41101 | D | 46 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 41105 | C | 56 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
| 41114 | C | 56 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ashland, Kentucky receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Ashland have accumulated 4 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 53,355 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Ashland's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ashland water systems is 0.0140 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 79% of homes built before 1986, Ashland has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Ashland is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Ashland
Ashland is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 53,355 people across 4 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ashland. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ashland
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Ashland. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-09-09 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-09-09.
Ashland vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Ashland's water quality compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | D | 4 | 2 | 53,355 |
| Pikeville | D | 20 | 2 | 53,695 |
| Radcliff | B | 0 | 2 | 53,830 |
| Nicholasville | D | 4 | 3 | 50,923 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ashland
Water quality varies across Ashland's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41102 | 41 | D | 1 | 1 |
| 41101 | 46 | D | 1 | 1 |
| 41105 | 56 | C | 1 | 1 |
| 41114 | 56 | C | 1 | 1 |
Common Questions About Ashland Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ashland, Kentucky:
Is Ashland water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ashland's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ashland tap water? Ashland's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Ashland? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ashland vs. Kentucky Average
Understanding how Ashland compares to the broader Kentucky average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Ashland.
ZIP Codes in Ashland
Ashland spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 41101. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.