Olmstead, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems serving Olmstead record elevated violation rates against KY benchmarks — residents in affected areas may want to check their local system's current compliance status.
How Olmstead Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Olmstead Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Olmstead
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Olmstead, KY's residential water connections out of 7 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 Olmstead, Kentucky (population ~992), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 31,196 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Olmstead — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Olmstead: 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
Olmstead water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Olmstead
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42265 | D | RUSSELLVILLE MUN WATER WORKS | 8,613 |
All ZIP Codes in Olmstead
- 42265 [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 Olmstead'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, Olmstead's housing stock carries a median build year of 1984. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Olmstead 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.
Olmstead: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does remediation cost in financial context for Olmstead homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Olmstead are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 140% above the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Olmstead
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.
When older housing represents 51% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Olmstead address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Olmstead
- 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 Olmstead, KY