Custer, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Custer, KY: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Custer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Custer Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 33% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Custer
Water supply in Custer, KY follows a divided structure: 2 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 2 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Custer, Kentucky (population ~990), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 20,064 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Custer — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Custer: D (53/100)
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
Custer water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Custer
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40115 | D | HARDINSBURG RO WTP | 18,437 |
All ZIP Codes in Custer
- 40115 [D]
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 Custer'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
What does a median build year of 2007 mean for water safety in Custer? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Custer 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.
Custer: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Custer home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Custer are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% above the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Custer
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.
Locally, 33% of Custer homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Custer
- 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 33% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Custer, KY