Mount Washington, KY: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Mount Washington show elevated violation counts against KY benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Mount Washington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Mount Washington Water
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Mount Washington
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Mount Washington, KY's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mount Washington, Kentucky (population ~23,160), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 787,055 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mount Washington — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mount Washington: 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
Mount Washington water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mount Washington
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40047 | D | LOUISVILLE WATER COMPANY | 764,769 |
All ZIP Codes in Mount Washington
- 40047 [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 Mount Washington
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Compared to many older metro areas, Mount Washington carries a relatively newer housing profile — the median build year of 1992 places most of the stock in the post-1986 era when lead solder was federally banned from new plumbing. That shift meaningfully reduces the baseline likelihood of lead leaching from copper joint solder. Homes from before 1986 do still exist in the mix, however, and individual testing remains the only way to confirm what a specific tap actually delivers.
Most homes in Mount Washington 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 Mount Washington Homeowners
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Mount Washington homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Mount Washington. The estimated $2,400–$4,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 74% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Mount Washington
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.
Reading Mount Washington's aggregate samples next to its housing-age figures yields a quiet baseline. Lead rests under the federal action benchmark in citywide monitoring, and only 29% of homes were built before the federal ban on solder containing lead. Households with kids — the population for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — can confirm in-home conditions with a draw-test kit, with a certified lead-removal filter available through certified retail channels if results warrant it.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Mount Washington
Flood risk in Mount Washington occupies the middle ground: 7 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Mount Washington has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $20,823 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>$3,600</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.
What You Can Do in Mount Washington
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Mount Washington, KY