Brownsville, KY: 12 Health Violations — 68/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Brownsville shows moderate tap water quality for KY — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Brownsville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Brownsville Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 13 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 50% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
Brownsville's Water Providers
Across Brownsville, KY, residential water comes from 2 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 2 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Brownsville, Kentucky (population ~4,201), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 19,289 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 12 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Brownsville: C (68/100)
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
Brownsville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0800 | Other | 18 | 1 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 8 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42210 | C | 13 | 12 | Edmonson Company Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Brownsville
- 42210 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
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.
What's in Brownsville's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Brownsville Infrastructure Age
With 50% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1984, Brownsville falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Brownsville were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Brownsville
Equity impact data for Brownsville lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Brownsville are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 23% below the Kentucky average.
Brownsville: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 50% of Brownsville homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Brownsville
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 0800 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Brownsville's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Brownsville, KY