Water Quality in Olive Hill, KY: 1 Violation - Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Olive Hill's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Olive Hill, KY - 1 compliance event documented in the federal drinking water record.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Olive Hill
Olive Hill is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41164 | C | 68 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Olive Hill.
Water Quality Overview
Olive Hill, Kentucky receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Olive Hill have accumulated 1 EPA violation (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 12,372 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Olive Hill's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Olive Hill water systems is 0.0010 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Olive Hill has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Olive Hill is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Olive Hill
Olive Hill is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 12,372 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olive Hill. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Olive Hill
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Olive Hill:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olive Hill. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-05 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-05 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-10 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-31.
Olive Hill vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Olive Hill's water quality compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Hill | C | 1 | 5 | 12,372 |
| Louisa | B | 0 | 4 | 12,399 |
| Brandenburg | B | 0 | 2 | 12,469 |
| Stanford | C | 0 | 6 | 12,517 |
Common Questions About Olive Hill Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Olive Hill, Kentucky:
Is Olive Hill water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Olive Hill's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Olive Hill tap water? Olive Hill's water receives a grade of C (68/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Olive Hill? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Olive Hill vs. Kentucky Average
Understanding how Olive Hill compares to the broader Kentucky average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Olive Hill.
ZIP Codes in Olive Hill
Olive Hill spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 41164. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.