Is Eminence, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Eminence, KY — Water Quality Report
Eminence's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,554 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eminence's water
Eminence ranks #58 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Eminence 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, Eminence may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eminence, KY water safe to drink?
Eminence's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,554 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eminence
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eminence's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. 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 Eminence's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Eminence's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Eminence's water come from?
Eminence's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,554 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Eminence residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eminence'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.
Eminence'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 Eminence
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Eminence, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LIBERTAS COPPER LLC. EMINENCE, KY40019 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
STEEL TECHNOLOGIES LLC EMINENCE, KY40019 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS INC. SMITHFIELD, KY40068 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Henry County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Eminence compares by contaminant
Explore where Eminence ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eminence's water comes from
Eminence 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 Eminence'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 2,554 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Eminence
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMINENCE WATER WORKS | KY0520122 | 2,554 | GWP |
How Eminence compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Eminence's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Eminence, KY
Wikipedia →Eminence is a home rule class city in Henry County, Kentucky, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Eminence had a population of 2,705. It is home to the Eminence Historic Commercial District. Eminence is the largest city in Henry County. Eminence is home to the loudspeaker manufacturing company, Eminence Speaker. The area was home to Eminence Male and Female High School which grew to become Eminence College. Eminence's school teams compete as the Warriors.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eminence's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Eminence, KY tap water safe to drink?
Eminence's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #58 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Eminence's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Eminence'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 Eminence?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eminence's water come from?
Eminence's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,554 residents.
What health violations has Eminence's water system had?
Eminence has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eminence's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eminence 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 5 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 Eminence's water compare to other cities?
Eminence ranks #58 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 76% of state cities) and #4017 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eminence's small water system affect quality?
Eminence's system serves approximately 2,554 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 5 violations on record.