F0/100
Clay Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,287 residents · Kentucky
What's In Clay's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.76 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – May 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – April 26, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
CLAY WATER WORKS
Population Served
1,287
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY1170073
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay Water
Is Clay tap water safe to drink?
Clay, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 41 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Clay's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Clay's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Clay have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clay has 41 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, Other, MCL. 19 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clay?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Clay is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Clay's tap water come from?
Clay's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CLAY WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 1,287 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Clay'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. Clay'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 Clay's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Clay's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Kentucky state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Clay's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clay'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 (CLAY WATER WORKS) 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.