Is Hawesville, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.7/100
waterverge.com Hawesville, KY — Water Quality Report
Hawesville's drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,225 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hawesville's water
Hawesville ranks #12 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Hawesville relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Hawesville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hawesville, KY water safe to drink?
Hawesville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,225 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hawesville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hawesville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hawesville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hawesville's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Ohio River.
Where does Hawesville's water come from?
Hawesville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,225 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Hawesville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hawesville'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.
Hawesville'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 Hawesville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hawesville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,361 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMTAR PAPER CO LLC HAWESVILLE MILL HAWESVILLE, KY42348 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 45,096 | 3.4 mi |
WAUPACA FOUNDRY-PLANT 5 TELL CITY, IN47586 | Zinc compounds | 255 | 6.4 mi |
COMMONWEALTH ROLLED PRODUCTS INC LEWISPORT, KY42351 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 8 | 6.6 mi |
PRECOAT METALS HAWESVILLE, KY42348 | Nickel compounds | 2 | 3.0 mi |
SOUTHWIRE CO KENTUCKY PLANT HAWESVILLE, KY423480500 | Lead compounds | 0 | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHancock County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Hancock County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hawesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Hawesville ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hawesville's water comes from
Hawesville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,225 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hawesville
Hawesville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hawesville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAWESVILLE WATER WORKS | KY0460182 | 3,225 | GW |
How Hawesville compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Hawesville's score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Hawesville, KY
Wikipedia →Hawesville is a home rule-class city on the south bank of the Ohio River in Hancock County, Kentucky, in the United States. It is the seat of its county. As of the 2020 census, Hawesville had a population of 1,023. It is included in the Owensboro metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hawesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawesville, KY tap water safe to drink?
Hawesville's water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Hawesville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Hawesville'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 Hawesville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hawesville's water come from?
Hawesville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,225 residents.
What health violations has Hawesville's water system had?
Hawesville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hawesville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hawesville 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 14 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 Hawesville's water compare to other cities?
Hawesville ranks #12 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 95% of state cities) and #2075 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hawesville's small water system affect quality?
Hawesville's system serves approximately 3,225 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 14 violations on record.