Is Hardin, 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 ↓
91.7/100
waterverge.com Hardin, KY — Water Quality Report
Hardin's drinking water received a grade of A (91.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,606 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 25 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hardin's water
Hardin ranks #5 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Hardin 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, Hardin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hardin, KY water safe to drink?
Hardin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,606 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hardin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hardin's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Hardin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hardin's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Clarks River.
Where does Hardin's water come from?
Hardin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,606 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clarks River (river).
What Hardin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hardin'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.
Hardin'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 Hardin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hardin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 194 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VANDERBILT CHEMICALS LLC-MURRAY DIV MURRAY, KY42071 | Molybdenum trioxide | 194 | 8.2 mi |
3A COMPOSITES USA INC BENTON, KY42025 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
PELLA CORP - MURRAY OPERATIONS MURRAY, KY42071 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMarshall 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
Marshall County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Hardin compares by contaminant
Explore where Hardin ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hardin's water comes from
Hardin 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 Hardin'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 1,606 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hardin
Hardin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hardin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARDIN WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0790173 | 1,606 | GWP |
How Hardin compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Hardin's score of 91.7/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Hardin, KY
Wikipedia →Hardin is a home rule-class city in Marshall County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 580 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hardin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Hardin, KY tap water safe to drink?
Hardin's water quality earned a grade of A (91.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Hardin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Hardin'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 Hardin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hardin's water come from?
Hardin's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,606 residents.
What health violations has Hardin's water system had?
Hardin has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hardin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hardin 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 25 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 Hardin's water compare to other cities?
Hardin ranks #5 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 98% of state cities) and #1537 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hardin's small water system affect quality?
Hardin's system serves approximately 1,606 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.