Buckner, KY Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Buckner show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in KY.
How Buckner Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Buckner Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
Water Systems Serving Buckner
Residential water service in Buckner, KY is divided among 2 separate utilities, drawn from 2 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Buckner, Kentucky (population ~660), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 803,178 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Buckner — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Buckner: B (83/100)
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
Buckner water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40010 | B | Oldham County Water District | 38,409 |
All ZIP Codes in Buckner
- 40010 [B]
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.
How Old Is Buckner's Housing Stock?
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
The year 1986 marks a critical threshold in residential plumbing safety: that's when the federal government banned lead solder from new construction, closing a major pathway for lead entering household drinking water via pipe joints. Buckner's median build year of 2006 signals that most of the city's housing was built under the newer standard. The distribution above tells the full story — the post-1986 majority lowers aggregate risk, but the pre-1986 share still deserves scrutiny from anyone living in or purchasing an older home.
Most homes in Buckner 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.
Buckner: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Buckner's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Buckner are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 226% above the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Buckner
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.
20% — that captures the slice of Buckner stock built before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction. Combined with system samples below the regulatory action mark, the picture points to a quiet baseline, with one-home draws as the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Buckner, KY