Pendleton, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water compliance in Pendleton, KY ranks below average — documented gaps in multiple service areas.
How Pendleton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Pendleton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 27% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Pendleton
Structurally, Pendleton, KY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 3 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pendleton, Kentucky (population ~2,386), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 60,271 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pendleton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pendleton: 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
Pendleton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pendleton
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40055 | D | TRIMBLE CO WATER DISTRICT #1 | 4,146 |
All ZIP Codes in Pendleton
- 40055 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Pendleton
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead solder was federally prohibited in new plumbing in 1986. In Pendleton, the median build year of 1992 puts a majority of homes in the lower-risk category for that specific contamination pathway — though the pre-1986 share shown above still carries real exposure potential at the individual household level.
Most homes in Pendleton 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Pendleton Homeowners
The household financial picture for Pendleton homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Pendleton are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 30% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Pendleton
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.
Reading Pendleton's aggregate samples next to its housing-age figures yields a quiet baseline. Lead rests under the federal action benchmark in citywide monitoring, and only 27% of homes were built before the federal ban on solder containing lead. Households with kids — the population for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — can confirm in-home conditions with a draw-test kit, with a certified lead-removal filter available through certified retail channels if results warrant it.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Pendleton
- 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. 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 Pendleton, KY