Is Almo, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
Almo, KY — Water Quality Report
Almo's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,275 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Almo's water
Almo ranks #10 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Almo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Almo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Almo, KY water safe to drink?
Almo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,275 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Almo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Almo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Almo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Almo's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Calloway County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Clarks River.
Where does Almo's water come from?
Almo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,275 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clarks River (river).
What Almo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Almo's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Almo's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCalloway County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Calloway County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Almo compares by contaminant
Explore where Almo ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Almo's water comes from
Almo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Almo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,275 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Almo
Almo is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Almo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXTER ALMO HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT | KY0180102 | 2,275 | GWP |
How Almo compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Almo's score of 91/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Almo, KY
Wikipedia →Almo is an unincorporated community in Calloway County, Kentucky, United States. No one knows when the community was founded, but a rail center was established in the early 1890s by the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. A post office was opened on February 11, 1891, and given the name Buena, Kentucky. The name of the post office was changed to Almo on November 18, 1892. The new name may have been a shortening of the name Alamo from the Texas Revolution. The post office closed on August 15, 2022.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Almo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calloway
Frequently asked questions
Is Almo, KY tap water safe to drink?
Almo's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Almo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Almo's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Almo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Almo's water come from?
Almo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,275 residents.
What health violations has Almo's water system had?
Almo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Almo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Almo uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 11 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Almo's water compare to other cities?
Almo ranks #10 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 96% of state cities) and #1935 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Almo's small water system affect quality?
Almo's system serves approximately 2,275 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 11 violations on record.