WaterVerge

Is Fountain Run, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: KY0860141
Overall Score
85.1 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#101 of 246 in Kentucky Top 35% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.1/100

Fountain Run, KY — Water Quality Report

Fountain Run's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,485 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 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Fountain Run's water

Fountain Run ranks #101 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, Fountain Run may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Fountain Run, KY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Fountain Run's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,485 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Fountain Run

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fountain Run's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-265). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fountain Run's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Fountain Run's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

MCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Open
Jul 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jun 2019 TTHM Resolved
Jun 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Monroe County has experienced 2 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.

HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3231
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-265

Where does Fountain Run's water come from?

Fountain Run's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,485 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Fountain Run residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fountain Run's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
3
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
5 Active
3 Health-based
6 Resolved
3 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
6
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
1
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2019 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2019
Jul 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2019
Jun 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2019
Jun 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2019
Apr 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2019
Jan 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2007
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Monroe 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Monroe County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3231
Jul 1969
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #265

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1994 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Fountain Run compares by contaminant

Explore where Fountain Run ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,485
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Fountain Run's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Fountain Run'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 1,485 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Fountain Run

System Name PWSID Population Source
FOUNTAIN RUN WATER DISTRICT #1 KY0860141 1,485 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Fountain Run compares

Full Kentucky rankings →

Fountain Run's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Fountain Run (this city)
85.1
Louisville
82.2
Ft. Thomas
86.8
Owensboro
85.1
Kentucky avg
80
City Profile

About Fountain Run, KY

Economic Profile
$38,750
Median Income
$110,414
Median Home Value
$625/mo
Median Rent
6.1%
Unemployment
Community
49.1
Median Age
78
People / sq mi
11.4%
College Educated
69.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Fountain Run, KY tap water safe to drink?

Fountain Run's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #101 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.

What contaminants are in Fountain Run's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Fountain Run'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 Fountain Run?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Fountain Run's water come from?

Fountain Run's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,485 residents.

What health violations has Fountain Run's water system had?

Fountain Run has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Fountain Run's water compare to other cities?

Fountain Run ranks #101 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 59% of state cities) and #5515 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Fountain Run's small water system affect quality?

Fountain Run's system serves approximately 1,485 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 11 violations on record.