Dawson Springs, KY Water Safety: 75/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Across Dawson Springs, EPA monitoring data shows low violation rates and healthy safety margins — a pattern that places the city well above KY's average for drinking water compliance across recent reporting cycles.
How Dawson Springs Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Dawson Springs Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
Dawson Springs's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Dawson Springs, KY — out of 6 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dawson Springs, Kentucky (population ~6,167), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 36,079 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dawson Springs — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dawson Springs: B (75/100)
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
Dawson Springs water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Dawson Springs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42408 | B | Dawson Springs Water & Sewer | 2,631 |
All ZIP Codes in Dawson Springs
- 42408 [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.
Dawson Springs Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Dawson Springs, where the median build year is 1973, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Dawson Springs 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Dawson Springs
Within the Dawson Springs market, documented remediation claims a significant slice of typical equity — the financial weight here is material.
At 3.3% of home value, remediation costs in Dawson Springs represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,500–$4,100. Home values here are 45% below the Kentucky average.
Dawson Springs: 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 62% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Dawson Springs — 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.
Dawson Springs: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Dawson Springs's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 2 NFIP claims 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.
Dawson Springs has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $48,502 per payout. 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>$2,700</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dawson Springs, KY