Tollesboro, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Tollesboro have recorded health-based violations in recent KY monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Tollesboro Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Tollesboro Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
Tollesboro's Water Providers
Structurally, Tollesboro, KY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 3 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Tollesboro, Kentucky (population ~2,052), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 23,148 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Tollesboro — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tollesboro: 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
Tollesboro water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Tollesboro
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41189 | D | FLEMING CO WATER ASSOCIATION | 9,693 |
All ZIP Codes in Tollesboro
- 41189 [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.
Tollesboro Infrastructure Age
With 46% 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 Tollesboro, the median build year of 1980 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Tollesboro 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Tollesboro
Because property values in Tollesboro comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Tollesboro are relatively low compared to home values. The $300–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 30% below the Kentucky average.
Tollesboro: 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.
Routinely in Tollesboro, where 46% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Tollesboro
- 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 46% 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 Tollesboro, KY