Is Elkhorn City, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Elkhorn City, KY — Water Quality Report
Elkhorn City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,723 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 25 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkhorn City's water
Elkhorn City ranks #84 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Elkhorn City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkhorn City, KY water safe to drink?
Elkhorn City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,723 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elkhorn City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkhorn City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4663). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkhorn City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkhorn City's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pike County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Grapevine Creek, Levisa Fork Below Fishtrap Dam, Russell Fork, Pound River Below Flannagan Dam,.
Where does Elkhorn City's water come from?
Elkhorn City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,723 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Grapevine Creek (river), Levisa Fork Below Fishtrap Dam (river), Russell Fork (river), Pound River Below Flannagan Dam, (river).
What Elkhorn City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elkhorn City'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.
Elkhorn City'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 droughtPike 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
Pike County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Elkhorn City compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkhorn City ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkhorn City's water comes from
Elkhorn City'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 1,723 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elkhorn City
Elkhorn City 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 Elkhorn City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKHORN CITY WATER DEPT | KY0980120 | 1,723 | SWP |
How Elkhorn City compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Elkhorn City's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Elkhorn City, KY
Wikipedia →Elkhorn City is a home rule-class city in Pike County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,035 at the 2020 census. The city is located in proximity to the Breaks Interstate Park.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkhorn City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkhorn City, KY tap water safe to drink?
Elkhorn City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #84 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Elkhorn City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Elkhorn City'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 Elkhorn City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkhorn City's water come from?
Elkhorn City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,723 residents.
What health violations has Elkhorn City's water system had?
Elkhorn City has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elkhorn City's water compare to other cities?
Elkhorn City ranks #84 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 66% of state cities) and #5035 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elkhorn City's small water system affect quality?
Elkhorn City's system serves approximately 1,723 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 25 violations on record.