Is Worthington, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Worthington, KY — Water Quality Report
Worthington's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,673 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 18 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Worthington's water
Worthington ranks #29 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Worthington 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, Worthington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Worthington, KY water safe to drink?
Worthington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,673 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Worthington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Worthington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4361). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Worthington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Worthington's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Greenup County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Worthington's water come from?
Worthington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,673 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 Worthington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Worthington'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.
Worthington'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 Worthington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Worthington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,376 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALTIVIA PETROCHEMICALS, LLC HAVERHILL, OH45636 | Formic acid | 8,373 | 5.1 mi |
AMERICAS STYRENICS LLC - HANGING ROCK IRONTON, OH45638 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 3.3 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ASHLAND KY ASHLAND, KY41105 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
NEXPERA WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
VESUVIUS USA - WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Worthington
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- E H SCHILLING LANDFILL1.9 mi
- ALLIED CHEMICAL IRONTON COKE5.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGreenup 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
Greenup County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Worthington compares by contaminant
Explore where Worthington ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Worthington's water comes from
Worthington'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 1,673 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Worthington
Worthington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Worthington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WORTHINGTON MUNICIPAL WATER WORKS | KY0450478 | 1,673 | GW |
How Worthington compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Worthington's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Worthington, KY
Wikipedia →Worthington is a home rule-class city on the south bank of the Ohio River in Greenup County, Kentucky, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Worthington had a population of 1,501.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Worthington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenup
Frequently asked questions
Is Worthington, KY tap water safe to drink?
Worthington's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Worthington's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Worthington'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 Worthington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Worthington's water come from?
Worthington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,673 residents.
Is Worthington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Worthington 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 18 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 Worthington's water compare to other cities?
Worthington ranks #29 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 88% of state cities) and #2662 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Worthington's small water system affect quality?
Worthington's system serves approximately 1,673 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 18 violations on record.