D21/100
Lacenter Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,331 residents · Kentucky
What's In Lacenter's Tap Water?
2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.02 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
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 2018.
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
BARLOW WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,040
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KY0040020
LACENTER MUNICIPAL WATER CO
Population Served
1,291
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KY0040228
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacenter Water
Is Lacenter tap water safe to drink?
Lacenter, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of D (21/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 132 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Lacenter's water?
Of the 2 contaminants tested in Lacenter's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lacenter have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lacenter has 132 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lacenter?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lacenter 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 Lacenter's tap water come from?
Lacenter's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BARLOW WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 2,331 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Lacenter'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. Lacenter'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 Lacenter's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Lacenter's water quality score of 21/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Lacenter's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lacenter'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 (BARLOW 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.