Rockholds, KY Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Rockholds avoids KY's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Rockholds Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Rockholds Water
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Rockholds
Water delivery in Rockholds, KY is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 6 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rockholds, Kentucky (population ~3,194), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 65,675 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rockholds — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rockholds: 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
Rockholds water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rockholds
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40759 | C | WHITLEY CO WATER DISTRICT | 9,825 |
All ZIP Codes in Rockholds
- 40759 [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 Rockholds
With 44% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Rockholds, the median build year of 1981 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Rockholds 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 Rockholds Homeowners
In Rockholds, the equity impact of remediation sits at the elevated end of the scale — the cost-to-value ratio is high enough that most homeowners are weighing a genuine financial decision, one where planning and scope prioritization are practical tools rather than optional considerations, and early documentation of what needs addressing determines the shape of the commitment.
At 3.3% of home value, remediation costs in Rockholds represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$4,100. Home values here are 43% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Rockholds
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 44% 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 Rockholds address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Rockholds
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Rockholds falls in moderate-exposure territory — 1 documented incident spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Rockholds has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 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>$2,800</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 Rockholds
- 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 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rockholds, KY