Union Star, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Union Star, EPA compliance records fall well below KY averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Union Star Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Union Star Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Union Star
With 2 utilities splitting service in Union Star, KY, water accountability is distributed across 2 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Union Star, Kentucky (population ~195), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 20,064 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Union Star — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Union Star: 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
Union Star water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Union Star
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40171 | D | IRVINGTON WATER SYSTEM | 1,627 |
All ZIP Codes in Union Star
- 40171 [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.
How Old Is Union Star's Housing Stock?
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
Copper plumbing joined with lead solder was standard practice through the mid-1980s — a design choice that federal regulators prohibited in 1986. Union Star's residential inventory, centered around a median build year of 2004, is weighted toward the post-prohibition era. That context is relevant because the primary plumbing risk in older homes comes not from the municipal water supply but from what happens as water moves through lead-jointed pipes inside the structure — an exposure pathway that newer homes mostly avoid.
Most homes in Union Star 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.
Union Star: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Union Star homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Union Star are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% below the Kentucky average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Union Star
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.
Since the federal solder ban took effect, new plumbing has been built without that pathway, and Union Star's pre-rule stock at 29% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Union Star
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Union Star, KY