Kenton County, KY · PWSID KY0590220
Northern Kentucky Water District lead service lines
4,108 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Northern Kentucky Water District reported 4,047 lead and 61 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 93,462 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 23 lines. Another 21,644 (23%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 122 Kentucky systems with confirmed lead lines, and #122 nationally.
4.4% of Northern Kentucky Water District's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Kentucky average (1.5%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 4.3%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 23%
- Non-lead 72%
Total service lines reported: 93,462. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 259,949; 90,310 connections.
Lead test results
Northern Kentucky Water District's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2022–Dec 2024) was not detected, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 4,108 in 2025 Q1 to 4,108 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 21,644 to 21,644, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Northern Kentucky Water District since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Northern Kentucky Water District's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 4 other water systems: Boone Co Water & Sewer District, Walton Waterworks Department, Bullock Pen Water District, Pendleton Co Water District #1 / North.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Northern Kentucky Water District whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Kenton County
Cities served
- Lead pipes in Covington
- Lead pipes in Independence
- Lead pipes in Erlanger
- Lead pipes in Fort Thomas
- Lead pipes in Newport
- Lead pipes in Alexandria
- Lead pipes in Elsmere
- Lead pipes in Fort Mitchell
- Lead pipes in Edgewood
- Lead pipes in Villa Hills
- Lead pipes in Taylor Mill
- Lead pipes in Cold Spring
- Lead pipes in Highland Heights
- Lead pipes in Fort Wright
- Lead pipes in Dayton
- Lead pipes in Bellevue
- Lead pipes in Crescent Springs
- Lead pipes in Ludlow
- Lead pipes in Southgate
- Lead pipes in Crestview Hills
- Lead pipes in Park Hills
- Lead pipes in Wilder
- Lead pipes in Lakeside Park
- Lead pipes in Silver Grove
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Northern Kentucky Water District's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
410014100741011410144101641017410184105141063410714107341074410754107641085
Check another water system
Questions
Does Northern Kentucky Water District have lead pipes?
Yes. Northern Kentucky Water District reported 4,047 lead service lines and 61 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 93,462 total. 21,644 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Northern Kentucky Water District's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Northern Kentucky Water District replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Northern Kentucky Water District had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Northern Kentucky Water District.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Northern Kentucky Water District lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/ky/northern-kentucky-water-district/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.