WaterVerge

Is Warsaw, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: KY0390444
Overall Score
94.1 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#2 of 246 in Kentucky Top 4% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.1/100
waterverge.com
A 94.1/100

Warsaw, KY — Water Quality Report

Warsaw's drinking water received a grade of A (94.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,988 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Warsaw's water

Warsaw ranks #2 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Warsaw 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, Warsaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.1 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.1/45
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
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Warsaw, KY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Warsaw's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,988 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Warsaw

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warsaw's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.1/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4218). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Fluoride.

Key contaminant findings

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

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

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Warsaw's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

TTMR
Most recent violations:
May 2010 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Apr 2010 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Apr 2010 Combined Uranium Resolved
Apr 2010 Combined Radium (-226 and -228) Resolved
Jan 2010 Fluoride Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Gallatin County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters 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 Ohio River, Eagle Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4361
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4218
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3231

Where does Warsaw's water come from?

Warsaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,988 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river), Eagle Creek (river).

What Warsaw residents can do

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Warsaw'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.

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

11
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
May 2010
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
9 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
5
Nitrate Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
1
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2010 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2010
Jan 2010 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Apr 2008 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2008
Jan 1996 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1996
Jul 1995 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1999
Jul 1988 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1992
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Warsaw

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Warsaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 65,075 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KENTUCKY UTILITIES CO GHENT STATION
Electric Utilities · PPL CORP
GHENT, KY41045
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)61,4898.2 mi
DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY INC. EAST BEND GENERATING STATION
Electric Utilities · DUKE ENERGY CORP
RABBIT HASH, KY41091
Manganese And Manganese Compounds3,3499.4 mi
NUCOR STEEL GALLATIN LLC
Primary Metals · NUCOR CORP
WARSAW, KY41095
Copper And Copper Compounds2360.4 mi
STEEL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
Primary Metals · NUMIT LLC
GHENT, KY41045
6.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Apr 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Gallatin County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4361
May 2015
SEVERE WINTER STORM, SNOWSTORM, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4218
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 3.3 ppb from 1993 (5.3 ppb) to 2025 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,988
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Warsaw's water comes from

Groundwater

Warsaw'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 1,988 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Warsaw

Warsaw is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Ohio River
river
Eagle Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Warsaw

System Name PWSID Population Source
WARSAW WATER WORKS KY0390444 1,988 GW
Regional Comparison

How Warsaw compares

Full Kentucky rankings →

Warsaw's score of 94.1/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Warsaw (this city)
94.1
Louisville
82.2
Ft. Thomas
86.8
Owensboro
85.1
Kentucky avg
80
City Profile

About Warsaw, KY

Economic Profile
$52,240
Median Income
$143,844
Median Home Value
$726/mo
Median Rent
4.4%
Unemployment
Community
32.7
Median Age
875
People / sq mi
14.6%
College Educated
40.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Warsaw, KY tap water safe to drink?

Warsaw's water quality earned a grade of A (94.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.

What contaminants are in Warsaw's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Warsaw'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 Warsaw?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Warsaw's water come from?

Warsaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,988 residents.

What health violations has Warsaw's water system had?

Warsaw has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Warsaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Warsaw 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 11 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 Warsaw's water compare to other cities?

Warsaw ranks #2 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 99% of state cities) and #616 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Warsaw's small water system affect quality?

Warsaw's system serves approximately 1,988 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 11 violations on record.