Is Hindman, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80/100
waterverge.com Hindman, KY — Water Quality Report
Hindman's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,883 residents using purchased surface water.
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 27 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hindman's water
Hindman ranks #154 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it below average 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, Hindman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hindman, KY water safe to drink?
Hindman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,883 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hindman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hindman's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4711). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4663). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hindman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hindman's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Carr Creek Lake, Carr Fork.
Where does Hindman's water come from?
Hindman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,883 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Carr Creek Lake (lake), Carr Fork (river).
What Hindman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hindman'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.
Hindman'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
D2 — severe droughtKnott County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Knott County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hindman's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hindman compares by contaminant
Explore where Hindman ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hindman's water comes from
Hindman'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 1,883 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hindman
Hindman is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hindman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HINDMAN MUN WATER WORKS | KY0600198 | 1,883 | SWP |
How Hindman compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Hindman's score of 80/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Hindman, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hindman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knott
Frequently asked questions
Is Hindman, KY tap water safe to drink?
Hindman's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #154 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Hindman's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Hindman'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 Hindman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hindman's water come from?
Hindman's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,883 residents.
What health violations has Hindman's water system had?
Hindman has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hindman's water compare to other cities?
Hindman ranks #154 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 37% of state cities) and #8060 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hindman's small water system affect quality?
Hindman's system serves approximately 1,883 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 27 violations on record.