Franklin, KY Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Franklin's tap water quality puts it in KY's upper tier — health-based violations are rare and the compliance record is consistently above average.
How Franklin Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Franklin Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0018 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
Franklin's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Franklin, KY's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Franklin, Kentucky (population ~19,117), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 131,612 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Franklin — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Franklin: B (81/100)
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
Franklin water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0018 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42134 | B | Franklin Water Works | 15,150 |
| 42135 | B | Franklin Water Works | 15,150 |
All ZIP Codes in Franklin
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 Remediation Costs Compare in Franklin
In Franklin, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Franklin are relatively low compared to home values. The $900–$2,850 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% above the Kentucky average.
Franklin: 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.
Lead risk in Franklin appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Franklin: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Franklin, that record documents 23 claims and 50% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Franklin has a moderate flood history with 23 FEMA claims averaging $39,478 per payout. 50% 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>$1,800</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 Franklin, KY