Is Nortonville, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Nortonville, KY — Water Quality Report
Nortonville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,611 residents using groundwater.
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 63 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nortonville's water
Nortonville ranks #69 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Nortonville 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, Nortonville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nortonville, KY water safe to drink?
Nortonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,611 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nortonville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nortonville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-821). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nortonville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nortonville's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hopkins County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Pond River.
Where does Nortonville's water come from?
Nortonville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,611 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pond River (river).
What Nortonville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nortonville'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.
Nortonville'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 Nortonville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nortonville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
JLOK CORP EARLINGTON, KY42410 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHopkins County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Hopkins County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Nortonville compares by contaminant
Explore where Nortonville ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nortonville's water comes from
Nortonville'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 2,611 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nortonville
Nortonville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nortonville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTONVILLE WATER WORKS | KY0540328 | 2,611 | GW |
How Nortonville compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Nortonville's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Nortonville, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nortonville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hopkins
Frequently asked questions
Is Nortonville, KY tap water safe to drink?
Nortonville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Nortonville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Nortonville'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 Nortonville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nortonville's water come from?
Nortonville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,611 residents.
What health violations has Nortonville's water system had?
Nortonville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nortonville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nortonville 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 63 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 Nortonville's water compare to other cities?
Nortonville ranks #69 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 72% of state cities) and #4382 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nortonville's small water system affect quality?
Nortonville's system serves approximately 2,611 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 63 violations on record.