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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 30 cities in Kentucky
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Kentucky
24,046 residents
21,625 residents
19,611 residents
31,180 residents
17,236 residents
16,523 residents
28,129 residents
28,816 residents
37,086 residents
24,865 residents
15,157 residents
18,153 residents
72,294 residents
633,045 residents
19,134 residents
60,183 residents
31,709 residents
34,585 residents
28,602 residents
14,394 residents
322,570 residents
28,676 residents
19,254 residents
40,181 residents
31,394 residents
32,721 residents
14,150 residents
17,282 residents
19,591 residents
13,567 residents
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Based on our analysis of 30 cities in Kentucky, the average water quality score is 81/100. 6 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Bardstown with a score of 46/100, while Radcliff has the most room for improvement at 97/100.
Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various Kentucky water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most Kentucky cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 81/100 across 30 cities we analyzed, Kentucky generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Kentucky include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 6 cities in Kentucky showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Kentucky are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Kentucky water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Kentucky. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Kentucky city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Bardstown has the highest water quality score in Kentucky at 46/100 (Grade F). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Kentucky page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Kentucky are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area