Is Wickliffe, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.9/100
waterverge.com Wickliffe, KY — Water Quality Report
Wickliffe's drinking water received a grade of B (79.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 48 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wickliffe's water
Wickliffe ranks #155 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wickliffe 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Wickliffe may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wickliffe, KY water safe to drink?
Wickliffe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,264 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wickliffe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wickliffe's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Wickliffe's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Wickliffe's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ballard County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Wickliffe's water come from?
Wickliffe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 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).
What Wickliffe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wickliffe'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.
Wickliffe'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 Wickliffe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wickliffe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 142,825 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHOENIX PAPER WICKLIFFE LLC WICKLIFFE, KY42087 | Methanol | 142,825 | 1.1 mi |
INGEVITY VIRGINIA CORP-WICKLIFFE CARBON PLANT WICKLIFFE, KY42087 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
BUNGE CHEVRON AG RENEWABLES LLC CAIRO, IL62914 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBallard 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
Ballard County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wickliffe's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wickliffe compares by contaminant
Explore where Wickliffe ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wickliffe's water comes from
Wickliffe'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 1,264 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wickliffe
Wickliffe is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wickliffe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WICKLIFFE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | KY0040469 | 1,264 | GW |
How Wickliffe compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Wickliffe's score of 79.9/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Wickliffe, KY
Wikipedia →Wickliffe is a home rule-class city and the county seat of Ballard County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 670 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wickliffe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ballard
Frequently asked questions
Is Wickliffe, KY tap water safe to drink?
Wickliffe's water quality earned a grade of B (79.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #155 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Wickliffe's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Wickliffe'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 Wickliffe?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wickliffe's water come from?
Wickliffe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,264 residents.
Is Wickliffe's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wickliffe 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 Wickliffe's water compare to other cities?
Wickliffe ranks #155 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 37% of state cities) and #8095 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wickliffe's small water system affect quality?
Wickliffe's system serves approximately 1,264 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.