Copper · Kentucky

Copper in Kentucky Drinking Water — 10 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for copper in Kentucky drinking water systems

10
ZIPs with Detections
3
ZIPs with Violations
0.3%
Violation Rate
1.3 mg/L (action level)
EPA Limit
Moderate
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Copper Contamination in Kentucky

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 947 ZIP codes in Kentucky for copper contamination. 10 ZIP codes have reported copper detections, and 3 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for copper in Kentucky is 0.3% of all ZIP codes — lower than the national average.

EPA Standard for Copper

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for copper is 1.3 mg/L (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Copper in Kentucky

These ZIP codes reported the highest copper levels in Kentucky based on CCR reports and EPA data:

Lowest Copper Levels in Kentucky

These ZIP codes had the lowest reported copper detections in Kentucky:

Health Effects of Copper

Short-term exposure to copper above the action level causes gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are particularly sensitive.

How to Remove Copper From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for copper removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see copper data for your specific water system in Kentucky.

Worst ZIP Codes for Copper in Kentucky

Ranked by highest copper detection level.

Rank ZIP Code City Level Detected EPA Limit Status
1 42088 Wingo 2750 ppb 1300 ppb Exceeds
2 41056 Maysville 1513 ppb 1300 ppb Exceeds
3 42023 Bardwell 1370 ppb 1300 ppb Exceeds
4 41128 Carter 0.871 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
5 41135 Emerson 0.871 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
6 41179 Vanceburg 0.871 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
7 40701 Corbin 0.656 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
8 40702 Corbin 0.656 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
9 40734 Gray 0.656 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit
10 40771 Woodbine 0.656 ppm 1.3 ppm Within Limit

Lowest Copper Levels in Kentucky

ZIP Code City Level Detected
40771 Woodbine 0.656 ppm
40734 Gray 0.656 ppm
40702 Corbin 0.656 ppm
40701 Corbin 0.656 ppm
41179 Vanceburg 0.871 ppm
41135 Emerson 0.871 ppm
41128 Carter 0.871 ppm
42023 Bardwell 1370 ppb
41056 Maysville 1513 ppb
42088 Wingo 2750 ppb

Cities with Copper Data in Kentucky

6 cities in Kentucky have copper testing data available.

Kentucky Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the Kentucky water quality page.
Learn more about Copper: Read the full guide on Copper in drinking water.
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