Mammoth Cave, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Mammoth Cave, KY ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Mammoth Cave Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Mammoth Cave Water
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mammoth Cave
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Mammoth Cave, KY — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky (population ~1,111), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 17,848 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mammoth Cave — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mammoth Cave: 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
Mammoth Cave water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mammoth Cave
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42259 | D | EDMONSON CO WATER DISTRICT | 17,848 |
All ZIP Codes in Mammoth Cave
- 42259 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Mammoth Cave
With 46% 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
What does a median build year of 1998 mean for water safety in Mammoth Cave? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Mammoth Cave 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Mammoth Cave Homeowners
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Mammoth Cave, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Mammoth Cave are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mammoth Cave
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 46% of Mammoth Cave 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 Mammoth Cave
- 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 46% 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 Mammoth Cave, KY