Is Wurtland, KY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Wurtland, KY — Water Quality Report
Wurtland's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,815 residents using purchased surface water.
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 26 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wurtland's water
Wurtland ranks #190 out of 246 cities in Kentucky for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Wurtland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wurtland, KY water safe to drink?
Wurtland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,815 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wurtland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wurtland's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Wurtland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wurtland's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Wurtland's water come from?
Wurtland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,815 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Wurtland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wurtland'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.
Wurtland'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 Wurtland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wurtland, 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 | 3.4 mi |
AMERICAS STYRENICS LLC - HANGING ROCK IRONTON, OH45638 | Zinc compounds | 3 | 1.5 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ASHLAND KY ASHLAND, KY41105 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
NEXPERA WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
VESUVIUS USA - WURTLAND PLANT WURTLAND, KY41144 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Wurtland
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 LANDFILL2.0 mi
- ALLIED CHEMICAL IRONTON COKE7.2 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 Wurtland compares by contaminant
Explore where Wurtland ranks among all Kentucky cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wurtland's water comes from
Wurtland's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,815 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wurtland
Wurtland is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Wurtland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WURTLAND WATER DEPARTMENT | KY0450479 | 1,815 | SWP |
How Wurtland compares
Full Kentucky rankings →Wurtland's score of 73.3/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Kentucky cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Kentucky rankings →About Wurtland, KY
Wikipedia →Wurtland is a home rule-class city in Greenup County, Kentucky, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 983 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Huntington–Ashland metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wurtland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenup
Frequently asked questions
Is Wurtland, KY tap water safe to drink?
Wurtland's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #190 out of 246 cities tested in Kentucky.
What contaminants are in Wurtland's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Wurtland'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 Wurtland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wurtland's water come from?
Wurtland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,815 residents.
What health violations has Wurtland's water system had?
Wurtland has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wurtland's water compare to other cities?
Wurtland ranks #190 out of 246 cities in Kentucky (better than 23% of state cities) and #10106 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wurtland's small water system affect quality?
Wurtland's system serves approximately 1,815 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 26 violations on record.