Olaton, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Olaton, KY shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.
How Olaton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Olaton Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Olaton
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Olaton, KY's residential water connections out of 4 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 Olaton, Kentucky (population ~620), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 40,590 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Olaton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olaton: 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
Olaton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Olaton
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42361 | D | GRAYSON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 20,033 |
All ZIP Codes in Olaton
- 42361 [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 Olaton's Housing Stock?
With 51% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Olaton's housing stock carries a median build year of 1986. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Olaton 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.
Olaton: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Olaton, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Olaton are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 29% below the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Olaton
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 51% of the Olaton inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Olaton
- 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 51% 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 Olaton, KY