Union, KY Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems across Union produce average compliance results for KY overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.
How Union Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Union Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 19% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
Union's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Union, KY's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Union, Kentucky (population ~24,371), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 121,559 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Union — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Union: 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
Union water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Union
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41091 | C | FLORENCE WATER & SEWER | 29,351 |
All ZIP Codes in Union
- 41091 [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.
Union Infrastructure Age
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
A post-1986 majority in Union's housing inventory — median build year 2007 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Union 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 Union
Equity impact data for Union lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Union are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 144% above the Kentucky average.
Union: 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 Union, the older-stock footprint runs at 19% — a contained slice — and aggregate utility readings land safely under the EPA action mark. That keeps lead off the local priority list, with a one-faucet draw remaining the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Union: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Union shows a moderate flood record — 12 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Union has a moderate flood history with 12 FEMA claims averaging $12,156 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>$1,600</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.
What You Can Do in Union
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Union, KY