Is Carlisle, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Carlisle, KY — Water Quality Report
Carlisle's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,059 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 82 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carlisle's water
Carlisle ranks #160 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it below average 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, Carlisle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carlisle, KY water safe to drink?
Carlisle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,059 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Carlisle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carlisle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4217). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carlisle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carlisle's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Nicholas County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Licking River, Hinkston Creek.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,059 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Licking River (river), Hinkston Creek (river).
What Carlisle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carlisle'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Carlisle'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
D1 — moderate droughtNicholas County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Nicholas County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carlisle compares by contaminant
Explore where Carlisle ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carlisle's water comes from
Carlisle'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 2,059 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carlisle
Carlisle is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Carlisle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARLISLE WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0910065 | 2,059 | SW |
How Carlisle compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Carlisle's score of 79.1/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Carlisle, KY
Wikipedia →Carlisle is a home rule-class city in Nicholas County, Kentucky, United States. As of the 2020 census, Carlisle had a population of 2,093. It is the county seat of Nicholas County. It is located at the junction of Kentucky Route 32 and Kentucky Route 36, about halfway between Lexington and Maysville.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carlisle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nicholas
Frequently asked questions
Is Carlisle, KY tap water safe to drink?
Carlisle's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #160 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Carlisle's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Carlisle'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 Carlisle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carlisle's water come from?
Carlisle's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,059 residents.
What health violations has Carlisle's water system had?
Carlisle has 38 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Carlisle's water compare to other cities?
Carlisle ranks #160 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 35% of state cities) and #8382 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carlisle's small water system affect quality?
Carlisle's system serves approximately 2,059 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 82 violations on record.