Water Quality in Calhoun, KY: 9 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 57/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Calhoun's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Calhoun, KY holds 9 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Calhoun
Water quality varies across Calhoun's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42327 | C | 57 | 9 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Calhoun.
Water Quality Overview
Calhoun, Kentucky receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 57 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Calhoun have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,452 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Calhoun's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Calhoun is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 62% of homes built before 1986, Calhoun 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
Calhoun is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Calhoun
Calhoun is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,452 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Calhoun. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Calhoun
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
Contaminants Detected in Calhoun Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Calhoun's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 8 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Calhoun:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2021 to 2 in 2023, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Calhoun. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-08-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-08-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-07-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-05-12 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-02.
Calhoun vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Calhoun's water quality compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calhoun | C | 9 | 3 | 2,452 |
| Guthrie | B | 1 | 2 | 2,457 |
| Sacramento | B | 0 | 1 | 2,435 |
| Allensville | C | 0 | 1 | 2,421 |
Common Questions About Calhoun Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Calhoun, Kentucky:
Is Calhoun water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Calhoun's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Calhoun tap water? Calhoun's water receives a grade of C (57/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Calhoun? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Calhoun vs. Kentucky Average
Understanding how Calhoun 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 Calhoun.
ZIP Codes in Calhoun
Calhoun spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 42327. 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.