Pembroke, KY Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Pembroke, KY tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Pembroke Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pembroke Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
Pembroke's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Pembroke, KY — 6 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pembroke, Kentucky (population ~3,203), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 72,165 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pembroke — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pembroke: C (63/100)
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
Pembroke water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pembroke
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42266 | C | HOPKINSVILLE WATER ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITY | 41,350 |
All ZIP Codes in Pembroke
- 42266 [C]
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.
Pembroke Infrastructure Age
With 49% 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
With a median build year of 1981, Pembroke's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Pembroke 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Pembroke
The equity impact of remediation in Pembroke sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Pembroke. The estimated $1,800–$4,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 48% above the Kentucky average.
Pembroke: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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 49% of the Pembroke 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.
Pembroke: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Pembroke shows a moderate flood record — 1 claim and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Pembroke has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $50,751 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>$2,900</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 Pembroke
- 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 49% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pembroke, KY