A84/100
Clay City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,281 residents · Kentucky
What's In Clay 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) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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 CITY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,153
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0990074
POWELL VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
7,128
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0990357
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay City Water
Is Clay City tap water safe to drink?
Clay City, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of A (84/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 31 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Clay City's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Clay 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 Clay City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clay City has 24 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clay City?
Clay 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 Clay City's tap water come from?
Clay City's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CLAY CITY WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,281 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Clay 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. Clay 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 Clay City's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Clay City's water quality score of 84/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Clay City among the better-performing water systems in Kentucky. Visit our Kentucky state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Clay City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clay 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 (CLAY CITY WATER SYSTEM) 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.