Island, KY Water Safety: 75/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Island by KY authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Island Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Island Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 71% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
Water Systems Serving Island
Multiple utilities divide Island, KY's water service — 3 leading providers among 3 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Island, Kentucky (population ~1,175), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 5,408 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Island — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Island: B (75/100)
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
Island water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Island
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42350 | B | Island Water Department | 1,512 |
All ZIP Codes in Island
- 42350 [B]
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 Island's Housing Stock?
With 71% 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
The character of Island's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1975 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Island 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.
Island: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Middle of the range — Island homeowners face a remediation share that calls for real financial attention without reaching crisis territory.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Island. The estimated $1,200–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 14% below the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Island
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 71% of Island stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Island
7 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Island, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Island has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $43,742 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>$2,200</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 Island, KY