Philpot, KY Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Philpot tap water shows a mixed record for KY — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Philpot Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Philpot Water
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Philpot
3 water systems are tracked federally in Philpot, KY. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Philpot, Kentucky (population ~5,408), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 53,838 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Philpot — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Philpot: 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
Philpot water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Philpot
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42366 | C | WHITESVILLE WATER WORKS | 3,672 |
All ZIP Codes in Philpot
- 42366 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Philpot
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
Reading the housing age data for Philpot — median build year 1984 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Philpot 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Philpot Homeowners
Is remediation financially manageable for Philpot homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Philpot. The estimated $1,200–$3,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 46% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Philpot
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.
51% of Philpot housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Philpot
FEMA data shows 100% of Philpot's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 10 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Philpot has a moderate flood history with 10 FEMA claims averaging $10,558 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>$2,200</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 Philpot
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Philpot, KY