WaterVerge

Is Wingo, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

965 residents served 1 water system PWSID: KY0420475
Overall Score
86.6 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#74 of 246 in Kentucky Top 29% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.6/100

Wingo, KY — Water Quality Report

Wingo's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 965 residents using groundwater.

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 67 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Wingo's water

Wingo ranks #74 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 3.0 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 Wingo, KY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wingo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 965 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
3.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wingo

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wingo's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).

Disaster
SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

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

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.75 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Wingo's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.

OtherMONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Feb 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2013 Public Notice Open
Jan 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Graves County has experienced 5 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.

SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4595
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4361
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3231

Where does Wingo's water come from?

Wingo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 965 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Wingo residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wingo's water.

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

Wingo'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
3.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 20% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.75 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

67
Total violations
1
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

67 Total
6 Active
1 Health-based
61 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
32
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2018
Jan 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2010
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2004
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2004
Jan 1998 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Oct 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1997
Sep 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1996
Jan 1996 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Jan 1996 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1998
Showing 20 of 67 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wingo

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ATLAS EQUIPMENT SERVICES INC..
Machinery · NA
MAYFIELD, KY42066
9.9 mi
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP MAYFIELD KY. FEED MILL
Food · JBS USA FOOD CO
MAYFIELD, KY42066
7.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Graves 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
6.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Apr 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Graves County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Apr 2021
SEVERE, STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4595
Apr 2018
SEVERE STORMS, TORNADOES, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4361
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3231
Feb 1989
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #821
Mar 1975
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #461

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Wingo's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.75 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.1 ppb from 1994 (9.1 ppb) to 2025 (3.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.849 mg/L from 2011 (1.901 mg/L) to 2021 (2.750 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
965
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wingo's water comes from

Groundwater

Wingo'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 965 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wingo

System Name PWSID Population Source
WINGO WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT KY0420475 965 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wingo compares

Full Kentucky rankings →

Wingo's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Wingo (this city)
86.6
Louisville
82.2
Ft. Thomas
86.8
Owensboro
85.1
Kentucky avg
80
City Profile

About Wingo, KY

Wikipedia →

Wingo is a home rule-class city in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. As of the 2020 census, Wingo had a population of 573.

Economic Profile
$47,396
Median Income
$95,662
Median Home Value
$650/mo
Median Rent
10.6%
Unemployment
Community
29
Median Age
284
People / sq mi
10%
College Educated
66%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Wingo, KY tap water safe to drink?

Wingo's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.

What contaminants are in Wingo's water?

Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.

How is Wingo'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 Wingo?

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

Where does Wingo's water come from?

Wingo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 965 residents.

What health violations has Wingo's water system had?

Wingo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Wingo's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wingo 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 67 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 Wingo's water compare to other cities?

Wingo ranks #74 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 70% of state cities) and #4614 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wingo's small water system affect quality?

Wingo's system serves approximately 965 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 67 violations on record.