Is Mayking, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.2/100
waterverge.com Mayking, KY — Water Quality Report
Mayking's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,673 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 60 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mayking's water
Mayking ranks #136 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, Mayking may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mayking, KY water safe to drink?
Mayking's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,673 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mayking
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mayking's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.2/100).
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.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mayking's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mayking's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Letcher County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Elkhorn Lake, North Fork Kentucky River, Elkhorn Creek.
Where does Mayking's water come from?
Mayking's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,673 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Elkhorn Lake (lake), North Fork Kentucky River (river), Elkhorn Creek (river).
What Mayking residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mayking'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.
Mayking'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 droughtLetcher 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
Letcher County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Mayking compares by contaminant
Explore where Mayking ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mayking's water comes from
Mayking'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 2,673 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mayking
Mayking is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mayking
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LETCHER COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | KY0670462 | 2,673 | SWP |
How Mayking compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Mayking's score of 82.2/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Mayking, KY
Wikipedia →Mayking is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Letcher County, Kentucky, United States. Its population was 475 as of the 2020 census. Mayking has a post office with ZIP code 41837, which opened on January 25, 1894. U.S. Route 119 passes through the community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mayking's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Letcher
Frequently asked questions
Is Mayking, KY tap water safe to drink?
Mayking's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #136 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Mayking's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Mayking'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 Mayking?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mayking's water come from?
Mayking's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,673 residents.
What health violations has Mayking's water system had?
Mayking has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mayking's water compare to other cities?
Mayking ranks #136 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 45% of state cities) and #7121 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mayking's small water system affect quality?
Mayking's system serves approximately 2,673 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 60 violations on record.