Lucas, KY: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Lucas shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within KY — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Lucas Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Lucas Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Water Systems Serving Lucas
In Lucas, KY, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lucas, Kentucky (population ~251), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 53,164 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lucas — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lucas: D (40/100)
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
Lucas water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lucas
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42156 | D | GLASGOW WATER COMPANY | 36,766 |
All ZIP Codes in Lucas
- 42156 [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 Lucas's Housing Stock?
With 41% 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
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Lucas's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1998 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Lucas 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.
Lucas: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property equity in Lucas runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Lucas are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 39% above the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Lucas
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 41% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Lucas.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Lucas
- 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 41% 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 Lucas, KY