Is Raceland, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Raceland, KY — Water Quality Report
Raceland's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,201 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 21 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Raceland's water
Raceland ranks #72 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, Raceland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Raceland, KY water safe to drink?
Raceland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,201 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Raceland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Raceland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Raceland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Raceland's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greenup County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Ohio River.
Where does Raceland's water come from?
Raceland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,201 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Raceland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Raceland'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.
Raceland'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 Raceland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Raceland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,376 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALTIVIA PETROCHEMICALS, LLC HAVERHILL, OH45636 | Formic acid | 8,373 | 5.5 mi |
AMERICAS STYRENICS LLC - HANGING ROCK IRONTON, OH45638 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 3.6 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ASHLAND KY ASHLAND, KY41105 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
NEXPERA WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
VESUVIUS USA - WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Raceland
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.
- E H SCHILLING LANDFILL2.6 mi
- ALLIED CHEMICAL IRONTON COKE4.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGreenup 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
Greenup County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Raceland compares by contaminant
Explore where Raceland ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Raceland's water comes from
Raceland'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 3,201 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Raceland
Raceland 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 Raceland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RACELAND WATER SYSTEM | KY0450365 | 3,201 | SWP |
How Raceland compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Raceland's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Raceland, KY
Wikipedia →Raceland is a home rule-class city in Greenup County, Kentucky, United States, in the Ohio River valley. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,343. It is part of the Huntington–Ashland metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Raceland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenup
Frequently asked questions
Is Raceland, KY tap water safe to drink?
Raceland's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Raceland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Raceland'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 Raceland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Raceland's water come from?
Raceland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,201 residents.
How does Raceland's water compare to other cities?
Raceland ranks #72 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 71% of state cities) and #4516 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Raceland's small water system affect quality?
Raceland's system serves approximately 3,201 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 21 violations on record.