Is Bardwell, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Bardwell, KY — Water Quality Report
Bardwell's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 residents using groundwater.
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 78 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bardwell's water
Bardwell ranks #82 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bardwell relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.26 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Bardwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bardwell, KY water safe to drink?
Bardwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bardwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bardwell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bardwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bardwell's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Carlisle County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Obion Creek.
Where does Bardwell's water come from?
Bardwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Obion Creek (river).
What Bardwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bardwell'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.
Bardwell'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bardwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bardwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 142,825 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHOENIX PAPER WICKLIFFE LLC WICKLIFFE, KY42087 | Methanol | 142,825 | 6.8 mi |
INGEVITY VIRGINIA CORP-WICKLIFFE CARBON PLANT WICKLIFFE, KY42087 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCarlisle 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
Carlisle County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bardwell's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bardwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Bardwell ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bardwell's water comes from
Bardwell's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,227 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bardwell
Bardwell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bardwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARDWELL CITY UTILITIES | KY0200018 | 1,227 | GW |
How Bardwell compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Bardwell's score of 86/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Bardwell, KY
Wikipedia →Bardwell is a home rule-class city in and the county seat of Carlisle County, Kentucky, United States. The city was formally incorporated by the state assembly in 1878. The population was 714 at the 2020 census, down from 723 in 2010. Bardwell is included in the Paducah, KY-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bardwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carlisle
Frequently asked questions
Is Bardwell, KY tap water safe to drink?
Bardwell's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Bardwell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is Bardwell'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 Bardwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bardwell's water come from?
Bardwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 residents.
What health violations has Bardwell's water system had?
Bardwell has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2003. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bardwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bardwell 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 78 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 Bardwell's water compare to other cities?
Bardwell ranks #82 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 67% of state cities) and #4998 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bardwell's small water system affect quality?
Bardwell's system serves approximately 1,227 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 78 violations on record.