C46/100
Owensboro Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 94,128 residents · Kentucky
What's In Owensboro's Tap Water?
73
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
OWENSBORO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
Population Served
60,473
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
KY0300336
DAVIESS CO WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
33,655
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
KY0300387
Frequently Asked Questions About Owensboro Water
Is Owensboro tap water safe to drink?
Owensboro, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 135 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Owensboro's water?
Of the 73 contaminants tested in Owensboro's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, molybdenum. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Owensboro have any water quality violations?
Yes, Owensboro has 135 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Owensboro?
Owensboro 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Owensboro's tap water come from?
Owensboro's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by OWENSBORO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 94,128 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Owensboro'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. Owensboro'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 Owensboro's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Owensboro's water quality score of 46/100 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 Owensboro's water quality?
If you have concerns about Owensboro'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 (OWENSBORO MUNICIPAL UTILITIES) 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.