Nicholasville, KY: 4 Health Violations — 49/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Nicholasville have recorded health-based violations in recent KY monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Nicholasville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Nicholasville Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0093 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,350 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Nicholasville
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Nicholasville, KY's residential water connections out of 5 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 2 ZIP codes in Nicholasville, Kentucky (population ~45,142), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 356,186 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nicholasville: D (49/100)
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
Nicholasville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0093 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40340 | D | 2 | 2 | Nicholasville Water Department |
| 40356 | D | 2 | 2 | Nicholasville Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Nicholasville
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.
Top Contaminants in Nicholasville Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Nicholasville Homeowners
Because property values in Nicholasville comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Nicholasville are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,500–$3,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 65% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Nicholasville
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.
Lead risk in Nicholasville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Nicholasville
Flood risk in Nicholasville occupies the middle ground: 61 NFIP claims and 50% 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.
Nicholasville has a moderate flood history with 61 FEMA claims averaging $17,119 per payout. 50% 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>$2,350</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 Nicholasville
- 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. Filters rated for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Nicholasville's water.
- 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 Nicholasville, KY