Is Cloverport, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
Cloverport, KY — Water Quality Report
Cloverport's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 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 50 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cloverport's water
Cloverport ranks #81 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cloverport 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, Cloverport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cloverport, KY water safe to drink?
Cloverport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cloverport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cloverport's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cloverport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cloverport's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Breckinridge County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Ohio River.
Where does Cloverport's water come from?
Cloverport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Cloverport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cloverport'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.
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 Cloverport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cloverport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,096 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMTAR PAPER CO LLC HAWESVILLE MILL HAWESVILLE, KY42348 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 45,096 | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBreckinridge 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
Breckinridge County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Cloverport compares by contaminant
Explore where Cloverport ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cloverport's water comes from
Cloverport 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 Cloverport'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 1,560 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cloverport
Cloverport is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cloverport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLOVERPORT WATER & SEWER SYSTEM | KY0140079 | 1,560 | GWP |
How Cloverport compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Cloverport's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Cloverport, KY
Wikipedia →Cloverport is a home rule-class city in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, United States, on the banks of the Ohio River. As of the 2020 census, Cloverport had a population of 1,119.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cloverport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Breckinridge
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloverport, KY tap water safe to drink?
Cloverport's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Cloverport's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Cloverport'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 Cloverport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cloverport's water come from?
Cloverport's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,560 residents.
What health violations has Cloverport's water system had?
Cloverport has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cloverport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cloverport 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 50 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 Cloverport's water compare to other cities?
Cloverport ranks #81 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 67% of state cities) and #4865 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cloverport's small water system affect quality?
Cloverport's system serves approximately 1,560 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 50 violations on record.