Is White Plains, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com White Plains, KY — Water Quality Report
White Plains's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater.
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 60 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about White Plains's water
White Plains ranks #14 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
White Plains 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, White Plains may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is White Plains, KY water safe to drink?
White Plains's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,871 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for White Plains
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into White Plains's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3231). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-821). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for White Plains's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
White Plains's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hopkins County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Pond River.
Where does White Plains's water come from?
White Plains's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,871 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pond River (river).
What White Plains residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in White Plains'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.
White Plains'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 White Plains
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near White Plains, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE CO GRAHAM, KY42344 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
DYNO NOBEL INC GRAHAM, KY42344 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHopkins 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
Hopkins County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 White Plains compares by contaminant
Explore where White Plains ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where White Plains's water comes from
White Plains'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 1,871 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near White Plains
White Plains is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving White Plains
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE PLAINS WATER SYSTEM | KY0540465 | 1,871 | GW |
How White Plains compares
Full Kentucky rankings →White Plains's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About White Plains, KY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to White Plains's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hopkins
Frequently asked questions
Is White Plains, KY tap water safe to drink?
White Plains's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in White Plains's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is White Plains'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 White Plains?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does White Plains's water come from?
White Plains's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,871 residents.
What health violations has White Plains's water system had?
White Plains has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is White Plains's groundwater at risk of contamination?
White Plains 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 60 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 White Plains's water compare to other cities?
White Plains ranks #14 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 94% of state cities) and #2193 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does White Plains's small water system affect quality?
White Plains's system serves approximately 1,871 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 60 violations on record.