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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 42002 Water Quality Report

Paducah, KY · Mccracken County County

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 42002

Tap water in ZIP code 42002 (Paducah, KY) is among the safest in the country. Served by Paducah Water Works, this area earned a water safety grade of A with a composite score of 88/100 — indicating full regulatory compliance and low contaminant risk across EPA monitoring periods.

Water System

Paducah Water Works

EPA ID: KY0730533

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

65,004 residents

County

Mccracken County County, Kentucky

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Lead Levels in ZIP 42002

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 42002. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Paducah Water Works directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Paducah Water Works has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for Paducah Water Works is rated Low — indicating a consistent track record of meeting EPA reporting and treatment requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 42002. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 42002 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Paducah Water Works
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 42002 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 42002?+
Yes — tap water in 42002 (Paducah, KY) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 42002 tap water?+
Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 42002. Contact Paducah Water Works directly for the most recent lead testing results.
Who provides tap water to 42002?+
Tap water in ZIP code 42002 is provided by Paducah Water Works (EPA ID: KY0730533). This system serves approximately 65,004 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 42002?+
ZIP code 42002 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 42002 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 42002. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 42002?+
Your water utility — Paducah Water Works — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Paducah Water Works Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 42002?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 42002, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 42002 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 42002 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 42002 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Paducah Water Works. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →