Is Martin, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 48 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Martin, KY — Water Quality Report
Martin's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,167 residents using purchased surface 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 125 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved.
What to know about Martin's water
Martin ranks #242 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Martin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Martin, KY water safe to drink?
Martin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,167 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Martin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Martin's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4711). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4663). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Martin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Martin's water system has 125 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Floyd County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Levisa Fork.
Where does Martin's water come from?
Martin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,167 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Levisa Fork (river).
What Martin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Martin'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.
Martin'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 Martin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Martin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LANGLEY GAS PLANT LANGLEY, KY41645 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
ACTION PETROLEUM CO LTD PRESTONSBURG, KY41653 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtFloyd 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
Floyd County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Martin compares by contaminant
Explore where Martin ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Martin's water comes from
Martin'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 1,167 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Martin
Martin is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Martin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARTIN WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0360272 | 1,167 | SWP |
How Martin compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Martin's score of 46/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Martin, KY
Wikipedia →Martin is a home rule-class city in Floyd County, Kentucky, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Martin had a population of 513.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Martin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Floyd
Frequently asked questions
Is Martin, KY tap water safe to drink?
Martin's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #242 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Martin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 125 violations are on record.
How is Martin'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 Martin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Martin's water come from?
Martin's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,167 residents.
What health violations has Martin's water system had?
Martin has 42 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. 48 violations remain unresolved.
How does Martin's water compare to other cities?
Martin ranks #242 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 2% of state cities) and #14053 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Martin's small water system affect quality?
Martin's system serves approximately 1,167 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 125 violations on record.