Lead · Kentucky

Lead in Kentucky Drinking Water — 416 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for lead in Kentucky drinking water systems

ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Kentucky drinking water: 416 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 112 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

416
ZIPs with Detections
112
ZIPs with Violations
15.5%
Violation Rate
15 ppb (action level)
EPA Limit
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Lead Contamination in Kentucky

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 724 ZIP codes in Kentucky for lead contamination. 416 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 112 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for lead in Kentucky is 15.5% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.

EPA Standard for Lead

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Kentucky

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

Lowest Lead Levels in Kentucky

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

Health Effects of Lead

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.

How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

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

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Kentucky

Ranked by highest lead detection level.

Rank ZIP Code City Level Detected EPA Limit Status
1 41101 Ashland 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
2 41102 Ashland 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
3 41129 Catlettsburg 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
4 41139 Flatwoods 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
5 41169 Russell 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
6 42087 Wickliffe 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
7 42038 Eddyville 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
8 42211 Cadiz 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
9 42215 Cerulean 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
10 42232 Gracey 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
11 42236 Herndon 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
12 42445 Princeton 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
13 40311 Carlisle 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
14 40353 Mount Sterling 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
15 40360 Owingsville 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
16 40361 Paris 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
17 40374 Sharpsburg 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
18 40391 Winchester 12 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
19 41003 Berry 11 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
20 41040 Falmouth 11 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit

Lowest Lead Levels in Kentucky

ZIP Code City Level Detected
41754 Krypton 1 ppb
41727 Chavies 1 ppb
41721 Buckhorn 1 ppb
41094 Walton 1 ppb
41092 Verona 1 ppb
41091 Union 1 ppb
41080 Petersburg 1 ppb
41051 Independence 1 ppb
41048 Hebron 1 ppb
41042 Florence 1 ppb

Cities with Lead Data in Kentucky

101 cities in Kentucky have lead testing data available.

+ 81 more cities

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

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in Kentucky Drinking Water — 416 ZIPs Tested. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/kentucky/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-kentucky,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in Kentucky Drinking Water — 416 ZIPs Tested}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/kentucky/}
}

Page version: August 2026.

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