Kentucky Water Quality Report

Tap water quality data for 2 cities in Kentucky, updated 2026.

Avg. Hardness: 131 ppm (Hard)No violations recordedAll cities below EPA lead limit
Avg. Hardness
131 ppm
Hard

US average: 100 ppm

Violations (3yr)
0
Clean Record

2 of 2 cities violation-free

Lead Compliance
100%
Below EPA Limit

2 cities tested

Water Source
Surface Water
100% of systems

2 water systems tracked

Cleanest Tap Water in Kentucky

Cities with the fewest water quality issues

No cities in Kentucky have recorded water quality violations in the past 3 years.

Kentucky Tap Water: What You Need to Know

Kentucky has 2 tracked water utilities serving approximately 964K residents. The average water hardness is 131 ppm (7.7 GPG), classified as Hardabove the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 130.5 ppm in Louisville to 130.5 ppm in Louisville.

No cities in Kentucky have recorded water quality violations in the past 3 years — an excellent compliance record. All 2 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

With hard water on average, many Kentucky residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Water

Is tap water safe to drink in Kentucky?

Based on available EPA data, no cities in Kentucky have recorded water quality violations in the past 3 years. However, water quality can vary by building — older homes may have lead pipes. Consider testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.

How hard is the water in Kentucky?

Kentucky's average water hardness is 131 ppm (7.7 GPG), classified as Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.

Which city in Kentucky has the cleanest tap water?

Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Louisville ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Kentucky. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.

Where does Kentucky get its water from?

The majority of Kentucky's water systems (100%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.