Glencoe, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Glencoe, KY: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Glencoe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Glencoe Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
Glencoe's Water Providers
Structurally, Glencoe, KY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 5 water systems in the area, with 3 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 Glencoe, Kentucky (population ~1,685), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 333,331 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Glencoe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Glencoe: 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
Glencoe water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Glencoe
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41046 | D | GALLATIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 5,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Glencoe
- 41046 [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.
Glencoe Infrastructure Age
With 42% 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
Plumbing risk in residential housing tracks directly to construction era: pre-1986 homes may have lead-soldered copper joints; pre-1970 homes may have lead pipes outright. Glencoe's median build year of 1980 places the city in a moderate risk zone where neither era dominates the housing inventory. Understanding which side of the 1986 threshold a specific property falls on — and whether it predates 1970 — is the most actionable starting point for a homeowner trying to assess their own tap water exposure.
Most homes in Glencoe 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 Glencoe
Across Glencoe, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Glencoe are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 30% above the Kentucky average.
Glencoe: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 42% of the Glencoe inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Glencoe
- 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 42% 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 Glencoe, KY