Is Muldraugh, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
Muldraugh, KY — Water Quality Report
Muldraugh's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,411 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Muldraugh's water
Muldraugh ranks #95 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Muldraugh may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Muldraugh, KY water safe to drink?
Muldraugh's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,411 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Muldraugh
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Muldraugh's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Muldraugh's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Muldraugh's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Meade County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Mill Creek, Pond Creek, Brier Creek, Salt River.
Where does Muldraugh's water come from?
Muldraugh's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,411 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek (river), Pond Creek (river), Brier Creek (river), Salt River (river).
What Muldraugh residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Muldraugh'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Muldraugh
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Muldraugh, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 225,663 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MONUMENT CHEMICAL KENTUCKY LLC BRANDENBURG, KY40108 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 137,873 | 8.1 mi |
LOUISVILLE GAS & ELECTRIC CO. - MILL CREEK STATION LOUISVILLE, KY40272 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 87,626 | 9.0 mi |
NUCOR STEEL BRANDENBURG BRANDENBURG, KY40108 | Zinc compounds | 161 | 8.7 mi |
DAWKINS ON-SITE. LLC - NUCOR KENTUCKY PORTABLE BRANDENBURG, KY40108 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 4 | 9.7 mi |
US ARMY GARRISON FORT KNOX FORT KNOX, KY401215719 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Muldraugh
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.
- DISTLER BRICKYARD4.3 mi
- DISTLER FARM5.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMeade 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
Meade County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Muldraugh compares by contaminant
Explore where Muldraugh ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Muldraugh's water comes from
Muldraugh'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 1,411 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Muldraugh
Muldraugh is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Muldraugh
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULDRAUGH WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0820481 | 1,411 | SWP |
How Muldraugh compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Muldraugh's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Muldraugh, KY
Wikipedia →Muldraugh is a home rule-class city in Meade and Hardin counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It lies on U.S. Route 31W north of Elizabethtown. The city limits are completely encompassed by the Fort Knox army base. The population was 1,040 as of the 2020 census. The city is part of the Elizabethtown–Fort Knox Metropolitan Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Muldraugh's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Meade
Frequently asked questions
Is Muldraugh, KY tap water safe to drink?
Muldraugh's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #95 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Muldraugh's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Muldraugh'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 Muldraugh?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Muldraugh's water come from?
Muldraugh's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,411 residents.
How does Muldraugh's water compare to other cities?
Muldraugh ranks #95 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 61% of state cities) and #5353 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Muldraugh's small water system affect quality?
Muldraugh's system serves approximately 1,411 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 4 violations on record.