Waddy, KY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Waddy show elevated violation counts against KY benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Waddy Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Waddy Water
- Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Waddy
Water delivery in Waddy, KY is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 6 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Waddy, Kentucky (population ~2,884), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 135,499 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Waddy — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waddy: 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
Waddy water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Waddy
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40076 | D | Frankfort Plant Board | 52,153 |
All ZIP Codes in Waddy
- 40076 [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.
Housing & Infrastructure in Waddy
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
The story of Waddy's housing stock is one of layered development — neighborhoods built in different decades, each carrying the plumbing standards of their era. The median build year of 1995 reflects that layered character. Before 1986, lead solder was standard in copper plumbing; before 1970, lead pipes were commonly used for service lines. A substantial portion of the pre-1986 homes visible in the distribution above still carry the plumbing materials of those earlier standards — creating a risk environment that the city-wide aggregate water data doesn't fully capture.
Most homes in Waddy 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 Waddy Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Waddy is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Waddy are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% above the Kentucky average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Waddy
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 39% pre-rule share in Waddy keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Waddy
- 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 39% 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 Waddy, KY