WaterVerge

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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: KY0180102
Overall Score
91 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#10 of 246 in Kentucky Top 12% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Almo, KY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Almo

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Almo's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).

Disaster
SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Almo's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Almo's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2015 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2013 Public Notice Open
May 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

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.

SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4595
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4218
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3231

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Almo's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
6
Inorganic Chemicals
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2007
Apr 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2007
Dec 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Jan 2002 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jul 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2000
Nov 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1994
Oct 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1994
Jan 1993 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Calloway 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
5.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
8
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Apr 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Apr 2021
SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4595
May 2015
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4218
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3231
Mar 1975
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #461

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 2.0 ppb from 1994 (2.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,275
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Almo's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Clarks River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Almo

System Name PWSID Population Source
DEXTER ALMO HEIGHTS WATER DISTRICT KY0180102 2,275 GWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Almo (this city)
91
Louisville
82.2
Ft. Thomas
86.8
Owensboro
85.1
Kentucky avg
80
City Profile

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.

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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.