Sparta, KY Water Safety: 78/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water monitoring in Sparta shows a safety record well above the KY median — health-based violations are isolated exceptions rather than recurring patterns, the city's systems have stayed compliant across recent reporting cycles, and no cluster of recurring exceedances appears in any single service area.
How Sparta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Sparta Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Sparta
Throughout Sparta, KY, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 4 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sparta, Kentucky (population ~2,126), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 313,283 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sparta — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sparta: B (78/100)
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
Sparta water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41086 | B | Gallatin County Water District | 5,860 |
All ZIP Codes in Sparta
- 41086 [B]
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 Sparta
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Post-1986 construction is where the lower lead-solder risk lives, because that's when the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing took effect. In Sparta, where the median build year is 1993, the housing stock falls broadly on the newer side of that threshold — a distribution that moderates aggregate plumbing-era risk compared to older housing markets.
Most homes in Sparta 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 Sparta Homeowners
The equity impact of remediation in Sparta sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Sparta. The estimated $1,100–$3,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 12% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Sparta
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 flows from a specific faucet still requires a one-home draw, even where Sparta averages stay clean and the pre-rule housing share holds at 29%.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Sparta
The NFIP claim record for Sparta — 13 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Sparta has a moderate flood history with 13 FEMA claims averaging $14,216 per payout. 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>$2,100</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sparta, KY