Ferguson, KY: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to KY averages, Ferguson scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Ferguson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Ferguson Water
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ferguson
Structurally, Ferguson, KY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ferguson, Kentucky (population ~897), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 51,595 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ferguson — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ferguson: D (40/100)
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
Ferguson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ferguson
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42533 | D | SOMERSET WATER SERVICE | 29,700 |
All ZIP Codes in Ferguson
- 42533 [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 Ferguson
With 73% 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
Because the majority of Ferguson's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1976 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Ferguson 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 Ferguson Homeowners
The equity impact of remediation in Ferguson sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Ferguson. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 23% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ferguson
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.
Routinely in Ferguson, where 73% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Ferguson
- 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 73% 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 Ferguson, KY