Is Buckhorn, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.2/100
waterverge.com Buckhorn, KY — Water Quality Report
Buckhorn's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 88 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buckhorn's water
Buckhorn ranks #191 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.
As a small community water system, Buckhorn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buckhorn, KY water safe to drink?
Buckhorn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 875 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Buckhorn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buckhorn's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buckhorn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buckhorn's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Trace, Buckhorn Lake, Middle Fk Kentucky River.
Where does Buckhorn's water come from?
Buckhorn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 875 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trace (river), Buckhorn Lake (lake), Middle Fk Kentucky River (river).
What Buckhorn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buckhorn'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.
Buckhorn'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 droughtPerry 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
Perry County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buckhorn compares by contaminant
Explore where Buckhorn ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buckhorn's water comes from
Buckhorn'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 875 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Buckhorn
Buckhorn is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Buckhorn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF BUCKHORN | KY0971007 | 875 | SWP |
How Buckhorn compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Buckhorn's score of 73.2/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Buckhorn, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buckhorn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Buckhorn, KY tap water safe to drink?
Buckhorn's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #191 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Buckhorn's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Buckhorn'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 Buckhorn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buckhorn's water come from?
Buckhorn's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 875 residents.
What health violations has Buckhorn's water system had?
Buckhorn has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Buckhorn's water compare to other cities?
Buckhorn ranks #191 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 22% of state cities) and #10146 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buckhorn's small water system affect quality?
Buckhorn's system serves approximately 875 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 88 violations on record.