WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: KY0820481
Overall Score
85.4 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#95 of 246 in Kentucky Top 34% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Muldraugh, KY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

4
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 event
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Muldraugh

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Muldraugh's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Muldraugh's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Muldraugh's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 1993 Lead and Copper Rule Open

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.

HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3231

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Muldraugh's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2013
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
0 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MONUMENT CHEMICAL KENTUCKY LLC
Chemicals · MONUMENT CHEMICAL LLC
BRANDENBURG, KY40108
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)137,8738.1 mi
LOUISVILLE GAS & ELECTRIC CO. - MILL CREEK STATION
Electric Utilities · PPL CORP
LOUISVILLE, KY40272
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)87,6269.0 mi
NUCOR STEEL BRANDENBURG
Primary Metals · NUCOR CORP
BRANDENBURG, KY40108
Zinc compounds1618.7 mi
DAWKINS ON-SITE. LLC - NUCOR KENTUCKY PORTABLE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CONCRETE SUPPLY CO LLC
BRANDENBURG, KY40108
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)49.7 mi
US ARMY GARRISON FORT KNOX
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
FORT KNOX, KY401215719
3.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Meade 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.

2.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

1
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3231

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.5 ppb from 1994 (3.5 ppb) to 2024 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,411
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Muldraugh's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Mill Creek
river
Pond Creek
river
Brier Creek
river
Salt River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Muldraugh

System Name PWSID Population Source
MULDRAUGH WATER DEPARTMENT KY0820481 1,411 SWP
Regional Comparison

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.

Muldraugh (this city)
85.4
Louisville
82.2
Ft. Thomas
86.8
Owensboro
85.1
Kentucky avg
80
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$49,375
Median Income
$68,287
Median Home Value
$842/mo
Median Rent
8.4%
Unemployment
Community
39.6
Median Age
901
People / sq mi
6.2%
College Educated
52%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

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.