Is Lacenter, 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 ↓
70.6/100
waterverge.com Lacenter, KY — Water Quality Report
Lacenter's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,331 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 146 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lacenter's water
Lacenter ranks #200 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lacenter 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, Lacenter may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lacenter, KY water safe to drink?
Lacenter's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,331 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lacenter
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lacenter's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Nickel, Thallium, Total, Chromium.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lacenter'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
Lacenter's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Lacenter's water come from?
Lacenter's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,331 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lacenter residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lacenter'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.
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 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lacenter'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. | 2.4 | 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. | 2.02 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lacenter compares by contaminant
Explore where Lacenter ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lacenter's water comes from
Lacenter'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 2,331 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Lacenter
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LACENTER MUNICIPAL WATER CO | KY0040228 | 1,291 | GW |
| BARLOW WATER SYSTEM | KY0040020 | 1,040 | GW |
How Lacenter compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Lacenter's score of 70.6/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Lacenter, KY
Wikipedia →LaCenter, formerly and often informally written as La Center, is a home rule-class city in Ballard County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 872 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous community in the county. It is part of the Paducah, KY-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lacenter's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ballard
Frequently asked questions
Is Lacenter, KY tap water safe to drink?
Lacenter's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #200 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Lacenter's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Lacenter'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 Lacenter?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lacenter's water come from?
Lacenter's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,331 residents.
What health violations has Lacenter's water system had?
Lacenter has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lacenter's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lacenter 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 146 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 Lacenter's water compare to other cities?
Lacenter ranks #200 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 19% of state cities) and #10707 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.