Pine Knot, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Pine Knot's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within KY — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Pine Knot Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Pine Knot Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
Water Systems Serving Pine Knot
Most residential addresses in Pine Knot, KY are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pine Knot, Kentucky (population ~4,789), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 34,439 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Pine Knot — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pine Knot: 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
Pine Knot water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Pine Knot
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42635 | D | MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | 34,439 |
All ZIP Codes in Pine Knot
- 42635 [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 Pine Knot's Housing Stock?
With 43% 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
Over the decades, Pine Knot accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1998 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Pine Knot 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.
Pine Knot: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Pine Knot's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Pine Knot are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Pine Knot
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.
If 43% of the Pine Knot inventory comes from before the federal ban on lead-bearing solder — and if utility samples sit at or near 0.015 mg/L — the gap between citywide averages and one specific faucet becomes a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. That is why one-home reads exist as a separate measurement. A certified filter through retailer networks addresses confirmed exposure where it appears in a household.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Pine Knot
- 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 43% 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 Pine Knot, KY