Cannel City, KY Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Cannel City, KY reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Cannel City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cannel City Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
Cannel City's Water Providers
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Cannel City, KY — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cannel City, Kentucky (population ~452), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 7,502 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cannel City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cannel City: C (63/100)
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
Cannel City water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cannel City
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41408 | C | MORGAN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 7,502 |
All ZIP Codes in Cannel City
- 41408 [C]
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.
Cannel City Infrastructure Age
With 41% 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
Reading the housing data for Cannel City, with a median build year of 1999, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Cannel City 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Cannel City
Framing remediation within the Cannel City property picture, the equity share is elevated — homeowners here are navigating a financial decision that rewards structured thinking about scope and prioritization, where the cost-to-value ratio is high enough to make the difference between a planned approach and an unplanned one financially significant.
At 3.1% of home value, remediation costs in Cannel City represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,200–$3,300. Home values here are 53% below the Kentucky average.
Cannel City: 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.
Wherever 41% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Cannel City — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Cannel City: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Cannel City's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 1 NFIP claim on record and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Cannel City has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Cannel City
- 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 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cannel City, KY