Water Quality in Rush, KY: No Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Rush's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Every water system supplying Rush, KY appears in federal EPA tracking - and all 5 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedances, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rush
Rush is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41168 | D | 50 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Rush.
Water Quality Overview
Rush, Kentucky receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving Rush. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Rush's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Rush is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 45% of homes built before 1986, Rush has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Rush is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Rush
Rush is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,640 people across 1 ZIP code.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rush. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rush
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Rush:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rush. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-17 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-31.
Rush vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Rush's water quality compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush | D | 0 | 5 | 3,640 |
| Brodhead | B | 0 | 3 | 3,638 |
| Gray | C | 0 | 5 | 3,633 |
| Pellville | D | 0 | 1 | 3,672 |
Common Questions About Rush Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rush, Kentucky:
Is Rush water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rush's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rush tap water? Rush's water receives a grade of D (50/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Rush? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rush vs. Kentucky Average
Understanding how Rush compares to the broader Kentucky average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Rush.
ZIP Codes in Rush
Rush spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.