Is Sacramento, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.2/100
waterverge.com Sacramento, KY — Water Quality Report
Sacramento'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 2,435 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 20 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sacramento's water
Sacramento ranks #137 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, Sacramento may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sacramento, KY water safe to drink?
Sacramento'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 2,435 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sacramento
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sacramento's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sacramento's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sacramento's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McLean County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Green River.
Where does Sacramento's water come from?
Sacramento's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,435 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Green River (river).
What Sacramento residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sacramento'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sacramento'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 Sacramento
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sacramento, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 584 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC CORP. WILSON STATION CENTERTOWN, KY42328 | Ammonia | 584 | 9.4 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - LIVERMORE FEEDMILL LIVERMORE, KY42352 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMcLean 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
McLean County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sacramento compares by contaminant
Explore where Sacramento ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sacramento's water comes from
Sacramento'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 2,435 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sacramento
Sacramento 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 Sacramento
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SACRAMENTO WATER WORKS | KY0750907 | 2,435 | SWP |
How Sacramento compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Sacramento'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 Sacramento, KY
Wikipedia →Sacramento is a home rule-class city in McLean County, Kentucky, in the United States. The population was 429 as of the 2020 census. It is included in the Owensboro metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sacramento's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mclean
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento, KY tap water safe to drink?
Sacramento'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 #137 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Sacramento's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Sacramento'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 Sacramento?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sacramento's water come from?
Sacramento's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,435 residents.
What health violations has Sacramento's water system had?
Sacramento has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sacramento's water compare to other cities?
Sacramento ranks #137 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 44% of state cities) and #7123 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 Sacramento's small water system affect quality?
Sacramento's system serves approximately 2,435 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 20 violations on record.