South Carrollton, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Unlike better-scoring cities in KY, South Carrollton records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How South Carrollton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for South Carrollton Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 89% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
South Carrollton's Water Providers
Supply infrastructure in South Carrollton, KY runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Carrollton, Kentucky (population ~134), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 5,601 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Carrollton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Carrollton: 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
South Carrollton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Carrollton
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42374 | D | CENTRAL CITY WATER & SEWER | 5,601 |
All ZIP Codes in South Carrollton
- 42374 [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.
South Carrollton Infrastructure Age
With 89% 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 South Carrollton — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1975 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in South Carrollton 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in South Carrollton
For most homeowners in South Carrollton, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in South Carrollton are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 20% below the Kentucky average.
South Carrollton: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for South Carrollton have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 89% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in South Carrollton
- 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 89% 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 South Carrollton, KY