C48/100
Frankfort Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 66,164 residents · Kentucky
What's In Frankfort's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 344.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
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 2015.
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
FARMDALE WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
8,203
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0370128
ELKHORN WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,590
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0370137
FRANKFORT PLANT BOARD
Population Served
52,153
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KY0370143
SO WOODFORD CO WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
4,218
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY1200411
Frequently Asked Questions About Frankfort Water
Is Frankfort tap water safe to drink?
Frankfort, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 152 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Frankfort's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Frankfort's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Frankfort have any water quality violations?
Yes, Frankfort has 152 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Frankfort?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Frankfort 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 Frankfort's tap water come from?
Frankfort's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by FARMDALE WATER DISTRICT and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 66,164 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Frankfort'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. Frankfort'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 Frankfort's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Frankfort's water quality score of 48/100 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 Frankfort's water quality?
If you have concerns about Frankfort'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 (FARMDALE WATER DISTRICT) 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.