Is Guthrie, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.4/100
waterverge.com Guthrie, KY — Water Quality Report
Guthrie's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,457 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 41 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Guthrie's water
Guthrie ranks #119 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, Guthrie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Guthrie, KY water safe to drink?
Guthrie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,457 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Guthrie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Guthrie's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Guthrie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Guthrie's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Todd 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. Local water sources include Red River.
Where does Guthrie's water come from?
Guthrie's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,457 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Red River (river).
What Guthrie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Guthrie'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.
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 Guthrie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Guthrie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 12 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRANE CLARKSVILLE, TN37040 | Copper | 12 | 8.3 mi |
KOPPERS INC (GUTHRIE) GUTHRIE, KY42234 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
NOVELIS GUTHRIE, KY42234 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
BRIDGESTONE METALPHA USA INC CLARKSVILLE, TN37040 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
FLORIM USA INC CLARKSVILLE, TN37040 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtTodd 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
Todd 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Guthrie compares by contaminant
Explore where Guthrie ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Guthrie's water comes from
Guthrie'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 2,457 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Guthrie
Guthrie 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 Guthrie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GUTHRIE WATER WORKS | KY1100171 | 2,421 | SWP |
| LOGAN-TODD REGIONAL WATER COMMISSION | KY1101005 | 36 | SW |
How Guthrie compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Guthrie's score of 83.4/100 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 Guthrie, KY
Wikipedia →Guthrie is a home rule-class city in Todd County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 1,330 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Guthrie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Todd
Frequently asked questions
Is Guthrie, KY tap water safe to drink?
Guthrie's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #119 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Guthrie's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Guthrie'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 Guthrie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Guthrie's water come from?
Guthrie's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,457 residents.
What health violations has Guthrie's water system had?
Guthrie has 2 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Guthrie's water compare to other cities?
Guthrie ranks #119 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 52% of state cities) and #6446 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.