F15/100
Prestonsburg Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 26,788 residents · Kentucky
What's In Prestonsburg's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 550.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
PRESTONSBURG CITY UTILITIES
Population Served
26,788
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
KY0360358
Frequently Asked Questions About Prestonsburg Water
Is Prestonsburg tap water safe to drink?
Prestonsburg, Kentucky tap water receives a grade of F (15/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 38 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Prestonsburg's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Prestonsburg's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Prestonsburg have any water quality violations?
Yes, Prestonsburg has 38 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MCL, MR, Other. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Prestonsburg?
Prestonsburg 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 Prestonsburg's tap water come from?
Prestonsburg's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by PRESTONSBURG CITY UTILITIES. The system serves approximately 26,788 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Prestonsburg'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. Prestonsburg'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 Prestonsburg's water compare to other cities in Kentucky?
Prestonsburg's water quality score of 15/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Prestonsburg's water quality?
If you have concerns about Prestonsburg'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 (PRESTONSBURG CITY 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.