C59/100
Cave City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,705 residents · Kentucky
What's In Cave City's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.011 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CAVELAND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY, INC.
Population Served
3,264
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0050344
BROWNSVILLE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,441
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0310706
MAMMOTH CAVE/CENTRAL SYSTEM
Population Served
5,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0310940
Frequently Asked Questions About Cave City Water
Is Cave City tap water safe to drink?
Cave City, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of C (59/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 68 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cave City's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Cave City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cave City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cave City has 68 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cave City?
Cave City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Cave City's tap water come from?
Cave City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CAVELAND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY, INC. and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,705 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Cave City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cave City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cave City's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Cave City's water quality score of 59/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Kentucky state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cave City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cave City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CAVELAND ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY, INC.) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.