D30/100
Manchester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,681 residents · Kentucky
What's In Manchester's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
NORTH MANCHESTER WATER ASSOC
Population Served
5,332
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
KY0260266
MANCHESTER WATER WORKS
Population Served
11,349
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KY0260737
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester Water
Is Manchester tap water safe to drink?
Manchester, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of D (30/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 95 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Manchester's water?
69 contaminants were tested in Manchester's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Manchester have any water quality violations?
Yes, Manchester has 95 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Manchester?
Manchester 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. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Manchester's tap water come from?
Manchester's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by NORTH MANCHESTER WATER ASSOC and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 16,681 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Manchester'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. Manchester'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 Manchester's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Manchester's water quality score of 30/100 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 Manchester's water quality?
If you have concerns about Manchester'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 (NORTH MANCHESTER WATER ASSOC) 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.