Is Drakesboro, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.3/100
waterverge.com Drakesboro, KY — Water Quality Report
Drakesboro's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 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 32 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drakesboro's water
Drakesboro ranks #183 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, Drakesboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Drakesboro, KY water safe to drink?
Drakesboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Drakesboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Drakesboro's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-821). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Drakesboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Drakesboro's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muhlenberg County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Green River.
Where does Drakesboro's water come from?
Drakesboro's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 888 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Green River (river).
What Drakesboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Drakesboro'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.
Drakesboro'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 Drakesboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Drakesboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. TVA PARADISE COMBINED CYCLE DRAKESBORO, KY42337 | — | — | 0.0 mi |
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD WENDELL FORD TRAINING CENTER RANGES GREENVILLE, KY42345 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMuhlenberg 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
Muhlenberg County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Drakesboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Drakesboro ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Drakesboro's water comes from
Drakesboro'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 888 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Drakesboro
Drakesboro is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Drakesboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRAKESBORO WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0890106 | 888 | SWP |
How Drakesboro compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Drakesboro's score of 74.3/100 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 Drakesboro, KY
Wikipedia →Drakesboro is a home rule-class city in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 481 at the 2020 census. Incorporated in 1888, the city was named for early pioneer William Drake.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drakesboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Muhlenberg
Frequently asked questions
Is Drakesboro, KY tap water safe to drink?
Drakesboro's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #183 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Drakesboro's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Drakesboro'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 Drakesboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Drakesboro's water come from?
Drakesboro's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 888 residents.
What health violations has Drakesboro's water system had?
Drakesboro has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Drakesboro's water compare to other cities?
Drakesboro ranks #183 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 26% of state cities) and #9892 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Drakesboro's small water system affect quality?
Drakesboro's system serves approximately 888 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 32 violations on record.