Kentucky Lead Service Line Replacement Programs
Kentucky water systems reported 5,248 lead and 22,788 galvanized service lines that must be replaced (EPA, Q3 2026). Below: the state rule on who pays, and every Kentucky utility with at least 1,000 such lines or a confirmed program.
Federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (40 CFR 141 Subpart I)
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
Mandatory? No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
Funding: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money).
Sources: epa.gov
| Utility | Lead | Galv. | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kentucky Northern Kentucky Water District | 4,047 | 61 | Cost share |
| Bowling Green Bowling Green Municipal Utilities | 0 | 3,703 | Not confirmed |
| Louisville Louisville Water Company | 483 | 2,064 | Free |
| Hazard Hazard Water Department | 427 | 1,832 | Not confirmed |
| Henderson Henderson Water Utility/North | 0 | 2,021 | Not confirmed |
| Hopkinsville Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority | 0 | 1,949 | Not confirmed |
| Franklin Franklin Water Works | 0 | 1,040 | Not confirmed |
Compare: lead lines in every state · cities with the most lead pipes · free programs in Kentucky
Common questions
Who pays to replace lead service lines in Kentucky?
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
Is lead service line replacement mandatory in Kentucky?
No state owner mandate found; the federal rule requires most utilities to replace all lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by 2037.
How many lead service lines are in Kentucky?
Water systems in Kentucky reported 5,248 lead service lines, 22,788 galvanized lines that need replacement and 405,322 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026), across 166 reporting systems.
Where can I get help paying in Kentucky?
Start with your water utility's program; the table on this page shows what we've confirmed. State money flows through: State Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (federal lead service line money). If your utility has no program, see our guide to paying for replacement.