Essie, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Essie falls below the KY baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Essie Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Essie Water
- Homes built before 1986: 30% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Essie
The structure of water supply in Essie, KY is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Essie, Kentucky (population ~993), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 9,614 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Essie — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Essie: 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
Essie water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Essie
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40827 | D | HYDEN LESLIE CO WATER DISTRICT | 9,614 |
All ZIP Codes in Essie
- 40827 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Essie
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
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Essie's median build year of 1995 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on — and whether it predates 1970 — is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Essie 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Essie Homeowners
Because property values in Essie comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Essie are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 43% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Essie
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.
Whenever aggregate samples pass the federal action benchmark and pre-rule housing — 30% in Essie — represents a smaller fraction, lead occupies a lower priority on the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Essie
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Essie, KY