Is Fredonia, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Fredonia, KY — Water Quality Report
Fredonia's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,040 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fredonia's water
Fredonia ranks #111 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, Fredonia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fredonia, KY water safe to drink?
Fredonia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,040 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fredonia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fredonia's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4711). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fredonia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fredonia's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caldwell County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Fredonia's water come from?
Fredonia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,040 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Fredonia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fredonia'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.
Fredonia'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
D3 — extreme droughtCaldwell 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
Caldwell County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Fredonia compares by contaminant
Explore where Fredonia ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fredonia's water comes from
Fredonia'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 1,040 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fredonia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREDONIA WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0170146 | 1,040 | SWP |
How Fredonia compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Fredonia's score of 83.8/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Fredonia, KY
Wikipedia →Fredonia is a home rule-class city in Caldwell County, Kentucky, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Fredonia had a population of 372.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fredonia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell
Frequently asked questions
Is Fredonia, KY tap water safe to drink?
Fredonia's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #111 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Fredonia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Fredonia'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 Fredonia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fredonia's water come from?
Fredonia's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,040 residents.
How does Fredonia's water compare to other cities?
Fredonia ranks #111 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 55% of state cities) and #6278 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fredonia's small water system affect quality?
Fredonia's system serves approximately 1,040 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 9 violations on record.