Is Hazel, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Hazel, KY — Water Quality Report
Hazel's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,160 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hazel's water
Hazel ranks #33 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hazel 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, Hazel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hazel, KY water safe to drink?
Hazel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,160 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hazel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hazel's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hazel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hazel's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Calloway 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.
Where does Hazel's water come from?
Hazel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,160 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hazel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hazel'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.
Hazel'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 Hazel
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hazel, 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 | 9.8 mi |
PELLA CORP - MURRAY OPERATIONS MURRAY, KY42071 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC. MURRAY, KY42071 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCalloway 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
Calloway 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 Hazel compares by contaminant
Explore where Hazel ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hazel's water comes from
Hazel 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 Hazel'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 1,160 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hazel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH 641 WATER DISTRICT | KY0180185 | 1,160 | GWP |
How Hazel compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Hazel's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Hazel, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hazel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calloway
Frequently asked questions
Is Hazel, KY tap water safe to drink?
Hazel's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Hazel's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Hazel'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 Hazel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hazel's water come from?
Hazel's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,160 residents.
Is Hazel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hazel 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 5 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 Hazel's water compare to other cities?
Hazel ranks #33 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 87% of state cities) and #2850 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hazel's small water system affect quality?
Hazel's system serves approximately 1,160 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 5 violations on record.