Girdler, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Girdler, KY tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Girdler Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Girdler Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Girdler's Water Providers
The structure of water supply in Girdler, 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 Girdler, Kentucky (population ~675), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 16,420 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Girdler — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Girdler: 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
Girdler water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Girdler
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40943 | D | BARBOURVILLE UTILITIES | 16,420 |
All ZIP Codes in Girdler
- 40943 [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.
Girdler Infrastructure Age
With 44% 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
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Girdler's median build year of 1999 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Girdler 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Girdler
At current valuations, Girdler sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Girdler are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 33% below the Kentucky average.
Girdler: 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.
Older stock in Girdler represents 44% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Girdler
- 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 44% 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 Girdler, KY