C56/100
Lexington Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 302,599 residents · Kentucky
What's In Lexington's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
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
KENTUCKY AMERICAN WATER- MILLERSBURG
Population Served
1,366
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0090287
KENTUCKY-AMERICAN WATER CO
Population Served
299,501
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KY0340250
KENTUCKY AMERICAN WATER - EASTERN ROCKCA
Population Served
1,732
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY1020288
Frequently Asked Questions About Lexington Water
Is Lexington tap water safe to drink?
Lexington, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 88 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Lexington's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Lexington'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 Lexington have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lexington has 88 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2015. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 31 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lexington?
Lexington 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 Lexington's tap water come from?
Lexington's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by KENTUCKY AMERICAN WATER- MILLERSBURG and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 302,599 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lexington'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. Lexington'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 Lexington's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Lexington's water quality score of 56/100 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 Lexington's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lexington'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 (KENTUCKY AMERICAN WATER- MILLERSBURG) 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.