Flatgap, KY Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Flatgap, water safety data for KY reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Flatgap Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Flatgap Water
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Flatgap
Federal records track 1 water system in Flatgap, KY, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Flatgap, Kentucky (population ~1,818), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 24,354 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Flatgap — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Flatgap: C (55/100)
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
Flatgap water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Flatgap
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41219 | C | PAINTSVILLE MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | 24,354 |
All ZIP Codes in Flatgap
- 41219 [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 Flatgap
With 59% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Flatgap — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1989 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Flatgap 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 Flatgap Homeowners
Across the Flatgap housing market, the estimated remediation share sits at an elevated level — the cost-to-value ratio here is high enough that addressing documented water and safety issues becomes a material equity decision rather than routine maintenance, and most homeowners benefit from treating it as a structured financial planning exercise.
At 2.8% of home value, remediation costs in Flatgap represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,800–$4,800. Home values here are 30% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Flatgap
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 59% of Flatgap homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Flatgap
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Flatgap shows 11 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Flatgap has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $52,970 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>$2,900</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.
What You Can Do in Flatgap
- 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 59% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Flatgap, KY