Big Clifty, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Big Clifty ranks below average for tap water safety in KY — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Big Clifty Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Big Clifty Water
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Big Clifty
3 independent water providers serve Big Clifty, KY — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Clifty, Kentucky (population ~1,787), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 126,589 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Clifty — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Clifty: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Big Clifty water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Big Clifty
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42712 | D | GRAYSON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 20,033 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Clifty
- 42712 [D]
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
Updated daily.
Housing & Infrastructure in Big Clifty
With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The story of Big Clifty's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1999 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Big Clifty 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 Big Clifty Homeowners
Because property values in Big Clifty comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Big Clifty are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 2% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Big Clifty
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 42% of the Big Clifty inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Big Clifty
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Clifty, KY