LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Kentucky

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 439 public water systems in Kentucky, serving approximately 5,070,656 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
439
Population served
5,070,656
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Kentucky

Kentucky's 439 public water systems serve about 5.1 million people. Right now, the state has not publicly reported confirmed lead service lines in its inventory data—though that doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present in older homes and buildings.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes and buildings. If your house was built before the 1980s, or if you live in an older neighborhood, there's a real possibility your line contains lead. Lead doesn't always show up in water tests, and corrosion control varies by utility. The only way to know for sure is to have your line identified by your water provider or a licensed plumber.

What Kentucky water systems are reporting

The largest utilities serving Kentucky residents include:

  • Louisville Water Company (764,769 people)
  • Kentucky-American Water Co (669,042 people)
  • Northern Kentucky Water District (259,949 people)
  • Warren County Water District (91,118 people)
  • Hardin County Water District #2 (76,326 people)
  • Boone Co Water & Sewer District (66,300 people)

None of these utilities have published a specific count of lead service lines yet. State law requires water systems to maintain and regularly update their service line inventories, but Kentucky does not appear to have received federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate line replacement.

What you should do

Contact your local water utility directly. Ask them:

  • Does your service line contain lead?
  • What's their plan to identify and replace lead lines?
  • Do they offer testing kits or cover replacement costs?

If you have young children or pregnant household members, the CDC recommends testing your drinking water. A pediatrician or local health department can advise on health concerns.

Next steps for residents

  • Find your water provider – Contact your city or county water department, or visit Kentucky Division of Water's public water system directory
  • Ask about your line – Request a service line material inspection report specific to your address
  • Get a test kit – Ask if your utility provides free or low-cost water testing
  • Know your options – If your line is lead, ask about replacement programs or financial assistance available in your area

Largest public water systems in Kentucky

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
LOUISVILLE WATER COMPANYKY0560258764,769——
KENTUCKY-AMERICAN WATER COKY0340250669,042——
NORTHERN KENTUCKY WATER DISTRICTKY0590220259,949——
WARREN COUNTY WATER DISTRICTKY114048791,118——
HARDIN COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #2KY047017576,326——
BOONE CO WATER & SEWER DISTRICTKY008003466,300——
PADUCAH WATER WORKSKY073053365,004——
OWENSBORO MUNICIPAL UTILITIESKY030033660,473——
BOWLING GREEN MUNICIPAL UTILITIESKY114003853,601——
FRANKFORT PLANT BOARDKY037014352,153——
GEORGETOWN MUNICIPAL WATER SERVICEKY105015744,608——
ASHLAND WATER WORKSKY010001144,402——
MOUNTAIN WATER DISTKY098057544,057——
FORT CAMPBELL WATER SYSTEMTN000082043,270——
HOPKINSVILLE WATER ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITYKY024020141,350——
OLDHAM COUNTY WATER DISTRICTKY093033338,409——
GLASGOW WATER COMPANYKY005092936,766——
RICHMOND UTILITIESKY076037035,640——
NICHOLASVILLE WATER DEPARTMENTKY057031535,266——
MCCREARY COUNTY WATER DISTRICTKY074027634,439——
DAVIESS CO WATER DISTRICTKY030038733,655——
MEADE COUNTY WATER DISTRICTKY082036933,313——
DANVILLE CITY WATER WORKSKY011009732,600——
HENDERSON WATER UTILITY/NORTHKY051018831,705——
FRANKLIN WATER WORKSKY107014431,602——

Cities in Kentucky

More on lead pipes in Kentucky

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Kentucky

Does Kentucky have lead in drinking water?

Lead in Kentucky's water comes mainly from lead service lines (the pipes connecting water mains to homes) and plumbing inside buildings, not from the source water itself. Whether your home has lead exposure depends on your specific service line and plumbing—this varies by neighborhood and building age.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Contact your local water utility with your address and ask for a service line material report. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your line. Homes built before the 1980s in older neighborhoods are at higher risk.

Is bottled water safer than tap water in Kentucky?

Bottled water is not regulated more strictly than tap water. If you're concerned about lead, the best approach is to get your line checked, test your tap water, and use point-of-use filters (like NSF-certified filters) if needed. Talk to a doctor about water safety for young children.

Will my water company replace a lead service line for free?

That depends on your specific utility. Some utilities offer cost-sharing or full replacement programs; others do not. Contact your local water provider to ask about their lead line replacement assistance or financing options.