Garfield, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Garfield has lagged behind KY benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Garfield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Garfield Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Garfield
One utility dominates residential water service in Garfield, KY — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Garfield, Kentucky (population ~699), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 18,437 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Garfield — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Garfield: 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
Garfield water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Garfield
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40140 | D | HARDINSBURG RO WTP | 18,437 |
All ZIP Codes in Garfield
- 40140 [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.
How Old Is Garfield's Housing Stock?
With 43% 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
For a city with a median build year of 1996, Garfield carries a housing profile that straddles the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in plumbing. Neither predominantly new nor predominantly old, the stock presents a moderate aggregate risk environment — with individual risk varying sharply depending on when and where a specific home was built.
Most homes in Garfield 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.
Garfield: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in Garfield are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Garfield are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% above the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Garfield
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 43% of Garfield stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Garfield
- 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 43% 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 Garfield, KY