B68/100
Horse Cave Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,175 residents · Kentucky
What's In Horse Cave's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 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
GREEN RIVER VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
17,431
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KY0500166
HORSE CAVE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,744
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0500476
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Cave Water
Is Horse Cave tap water safe to drink?
Horse Cave, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of B (68/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 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 Horse Cave's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Horse Cave'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 Horse Cave have any water quality violations?
Yes, Horse Cave has 45 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Horse Cave?
Horse Cave 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 Horse Cave's tap water come from?
Horse Cave's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GREEN RIVER VALLEY WATER DISTRICT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 20,175 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Horse Cave'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. Horse Cave'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 Horse Cave's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Horse Cave's water quality score of 68/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Kentucky state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Horse Cave's water quality?
If you have concerns about Horse Cave'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 (GREEN RIVER VALLEY 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.