Science Hill, KY: High Radon Risk — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Science Hill, KY — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Science Hill Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Science Hill Water
- Homes built before 1986: 50% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Science Hill
Multiple utilities divide Science Hill, KY's water service — 3 leading providers among 5 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Science Hill, Kentucky (population ~5,962), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 93,291 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Science Hill — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Science Hill: C (55/100)
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
Science Hill water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Science Hill
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42553 | C | Science Hill Water Works | 5,940 |
All ZIP Codes in Science Hill
- 42553 [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 Science Hill
With 50% 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 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Science Hill — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1984 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Science Hill 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 Science Hill Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Science Hill is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Science Hill are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% below the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Science Hill
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 50% of Science Hill stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Science Hill
- 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 50% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Science Hill, KY