Clinton, KY Water Safety: 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Based on current EPA data, Clinton, KY reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Clinton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Clinton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Clinton
Across Clinton, 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 Clinton, Kentucky (population ~3,388), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,162 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Clinton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Clinton: C (65/100)
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
Clinton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Clinton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42031 | C | Fulton Municipal Water System | 4,662 |
All ZIP Codes in Clinton
- 42031 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Clinton
With 68% 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 character of Clinton's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1977 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Clinton 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Clinton Homeowners
Remediation costs in Clinton represent a moderate share of typical home values — worth budgeting for carefully, though within reach for most homeowners who plan ahead.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Clinton. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 34% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Clinton
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Clinton have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 68% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Clinton
Federal flood insurance records for Clinton show a low claim count, placing local flood history at the lower end of the scale. At this volume, flooding rarely generates the kind of infrastructure stress that can compromise water quality at the treatment or distribution level.
Clinton has a relatively low flood history with 13 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Clinton
- 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 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Clinton, KY