Is Wheelwright, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Wheelwright, KY — Water Quality Report
Wheelwright's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 834 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 48 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wheelwright's water
Wheelwright ranks #41 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Wheelwright 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, Wheelwright may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wheelwright, KY water safe to drink?
Wheelwright's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 834 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wheelwright
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wheelwright's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4711). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4663). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wheelwright's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wheelwright's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Floyd County has experienced 10 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 Elkhorn Creek.
Where does Wheelwright's water come from?
Wheelwright's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 834 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Elkhorn Creek (river).
What Wheelwright residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wheelwright'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.
Wheelwright'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtFloyd 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
Floyd County has experienced 10 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wheelwright compares by contaminant
Explore where Wheelwright ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wheelwright's water comes from
Wheelwright'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 834 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wheelwright
Wheelwright is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wheelwright
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHEELWRIGHT UTILITY COMMISSION | KY0360463 | 834 | GU |
How Wheelwright compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Wheelwright's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wheelwright's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Floyd
Frequently asked questions
Is Wheelwright, KY tap water safe to drink?
Wheelwright's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Wheelwright's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Wheelwright'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 Wheelwright?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wheelwright's water come from?
Wheelwright's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 834 residents.
What health violations has Wheelwright's water system had?
Wheelwright has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wheelwright's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wheelwright 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 48 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 Wheelwright's water compare to other cities?
Wheelwright ranks #41 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 83% of state cities) and #3187 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wheelwright's small water system affect quality?
Wheelwright's system serves approximately 834 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 48 violations on record.