Copper in Kentucky Drinking Water — 10 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for copper in Kentucky drinking water systems
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
Cities with Copper Data in Kentucky
6 cities in Kentucky have copper testing data available.