Is Baxter, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 100 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43.3/100
waterverge.com Baxter, KY — Water Quality Report
Baxter's drinking water received a grade of F (43.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 9,783 residents using purchased surface 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 392 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved.
What to know about Baxter's water
Baxter ranks #246 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
The system has seen 41 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Baxter, KY water safe to drink?
Baxter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 9,783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Baxter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Baxter's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4711). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4663). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Baxter's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Baxter's water system has 392 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved. 41 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harlan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Martins Fork Above Smith, Martins Fork, Martin'S Fork, Cumberland River.
Where does Baxter's water come from?
Baxter's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 9,783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Martins Fork Above Smith (river), Martins Fork (lake), Martin'S Fork (river), Cumberland River (river).
What Baxter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Baxter'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.
Baxter'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
D2 — severe droughtHarlan County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Harlan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Baxter compares by contaminant
Explore where Baxter ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Baxter's water comes from
Baxter's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 9,783 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Baxter
Baxter is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Baxter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/DAYHOIT | KY0480277 | 1,954 | SWP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/ROSSPOINT | KY0480650 | 1,889 | SWP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/WALLINS | KY0480572 | 1,485 | SWP |
| GREEN HILLS WATER DISTRICT | KY0480341 | 1,443 | SWP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/KENVIR | KY0480603 | 1,396 | SWP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/SUKEY RIDGE | KY0480461 | 740 | SWP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/LOUELLEN | KY0480498 | 520 | GUP |
| BLACK MTN UTILITY/COXTON | KY0480265 | 356 | SWP |
How Baxter compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Baxter's score of 43.3/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Baxter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harlan
Frequently asked questions
Is Baxter, KY tap water safe to drink?
Baxter's water quality earned a grade of F (43.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #246 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Baxter's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 392 violations are on record.
How is Baxter'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 Baxter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Baxter's water come from?
Baxter's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 9,783 residents.
What health violations has Baxter's water system had?
Baxter has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 100 violations remain unresolved.
How does Baxter's water compare to other cities?
Baxter ranks #246 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 0% of state cities) and #14589 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.