Austin, KY: High Radon Risk - Home Safety Score unavailable
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
What You Should Know About Austin Water
- Homes built before 1986: 40% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Austin
Across most of Austin, KY, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Austin, Kentucky (population ~1,203), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 36,766 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Water Sources
Austin water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0000 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42123 | — | Glasgow Water Company | 36,766 |
All ZIP Codes in Austin
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Housing & Infrastructure in Austin
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Over the decades, Austin accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 2009 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited - leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Austin were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Austin Homeowners
Is remediation financially manageable for Austin homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes - with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Austin. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 23% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Austin
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 40% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Austin.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Austin, KY