Is Smithland, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.1/100
waterverge.com Smithland, KY — Water Quality Report
Smithland's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 989 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 105 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Smithland's water
Smithland ranks #228 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Smithland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Smithland, KY water safe to drink?
Smithland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 989 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Smithland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Smithland's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Smithland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Smithland's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Livingston County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Smithland's water come from?
Smithland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 989 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 Smithland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Smithland'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.
Smithland'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 Smithland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Smithland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 312,167 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ISP CHEMICALS LLC CALVERT CITY, KY42029 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 205,973 | 7.5 mi |
EVONIK CORP CALVERT CITY, KY42029 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 103,618 | 7.6 mi |
WESTLAKE VINYLS INC CALVERT CITY, KY42029 | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,834 | 7.5 mi |
ARKEMA INC CALVERT CITY, KY42029 | 1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-142b) | 559 | 6.5 mi |
CC METALS & ALLOYS LLC CALVERT CITY, KY42029 | Manganese | 183 | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Smithland
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.
- B F GOODRICH7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLivingston 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
Livingston County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Smithland compares by contaminant
Explore where Smithland ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Smithland's water comes from
Smithland'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 989 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Smithland
Smithland 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 Smithland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMITHLAND WATER & SEWER | KY0700401 | 989 | SWP |
How Smithland compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Smithland's score of 58.1/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Smithland, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Smithland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Livingston
Frequently asked questions
Is Smithland, KY tap water safe to drink?
Smithland's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #228 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Smithland's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Smithland'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 Smithland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Smithland's water come from?
Smithland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 989 residents.
What health violations has Smithland's water system had?
Smithland has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Smithland's water compare to other cities?
Smithland ranks #228 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 7% of state cities) and #12316 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Smithland's small water system affect quality?
Smithland's system serves approximately 989 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 105 violations on record.