Is Kevil, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.3/100
waterverge.com Kevil, KY — Water Quality Report
Kevil's drinking water received a grade of B (78.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,782 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 170 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kevil's water
Kevil ranks #166 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kevil 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, Kevil may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kevil, KY water safe to drink?
Kevil's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,782 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kevil
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kevil's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: CYANIDE, Fluoride, Mercury.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, Ethylbenzene.
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 Kevil's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kevil's water system has 170 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ballard County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Mayfield Creek.
Where does Kevil's water come from?
Kevil's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,782 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mayfield Creek (river).
What Kevil residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kevil'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Kevil'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 Kevil
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kevil, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 11,699 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. TVA SHAWNEE FOSSIL PLANT WEST PADUCAH, KY42086 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 9,519 | 7.6 mi |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC METROPOLIS, IL62960 | Hydrogen fluoride | 2,180 | 9.4 mi |
US DOE PADUCAH SITE KEVIL, KY42053 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
HOLCIM PARTICIPATIONS US INC - JOPPA PLANT GRAND CHAIN, IL62941 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Kevil
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT USDOE4.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBallard 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
Ballard County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kevil compares by contaminant
Explore where Kevil ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kevil's water comes from
Kevil'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 1,782 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kevil
Kevil is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kevil
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEVIL WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0040223 | 1,782 | GW |
How Kevil compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Kevil's score of 78.3/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Kevil, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kevil's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ballard
Frequently asked questions
Is Kevil, KY tap water safe to drink?
Kevil's water quality earned a grade of B (78.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #166 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Kevil's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 170 violations are on record.
How is Kevil'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 Kevil?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kevil's water come from?
Kevil's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,782 residents.
What health violations has Kevil's water system had?
Kevil has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kevil's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kevil 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 170 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 Kevil's water compare to other cities?
Kevil ranks #166 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 33% of state cities) and #8721 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kevil's small water system affect quality?
Kevil's system serves approximately 1,782 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 170 violations on record.