Arsenic Contamination

Arsenic in Kentucky Drinking Water

Ranked by arsenic violation count · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Has Violations

100%

% Has Violations

1.6 violations

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

222

Health Violations

Analysis

Arsenic in Kentucky: what the data shows

Kentucky has 78 cities with arsenic-related violations on record. Arsenic contamination is a federal MCL violation at levels above 10 µg/L (10 ppb). The state has 78 cities with at least one arsenic violation. Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through erosion of natural deposits, particularly in western states with arsenite-bearing geology. Industrial sources include mining runoff, glass manufacturing, and semiconductor production. Groundwater systems are significantly more likely to have arsenic issues than surface water systems. Long-term arsenic exposure above the MCL increases the risk of bladder, lung, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Reverse osmosis and specialized arsenic-removal media are the most effective point-of-use treatment options.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 10 µg/L EPA MCL

Kentucky

100%

78 of 78 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

5489 of 5489 cities

City Map

Arsenic data across Kentucky

Each dot is a city with arsenic violation data. Cities with at least one arsenic-related violation are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by arsenic level in Kentucky

Highest Arsenic levels (violations)

All Cities

All Kentucky cities ranked by arsenic level

#	City	Level	Violations?	Violations	Grade
1	Bowling Green	6 violations	Yes	16	B
2	Scottsville	6 violations	Yes	5	B+
3	Dixon	4 violations	Yes	29	B-
4	Lewisburg	4 violations	Yes	14	C-
5	Radcliff	3 violations	Yes	1	A-
6	Campbellsville	3 violations	Yes	25	B
7	Ft. Campbell	3 violations	Yes	0	C+
8	Murray	3 violations	Yes	1	C-
9	Neon	3 violations	Yes	3	D
10	Evarts	3 violations	Yes	8	B
11	Winchester	2 violations	Yes	25	B+
12	Morehead	2 violations	Yes	45	C+
13	Mayfield	2 violations	Yes	3	C-
14	Lawrenceburg	2 violations	Yes	19	B
15	Brownsville	2 violations	Yes	26	D+
16	Maysville	2 violations	Yes	8	B-
17	Campbellsburg	2 violations	Yes	5	A-
18	Franklin	2 violations	Yes	2	A-
19	Flemingsburg	2 violations	Yes	13	B+
20	Jackson	2 violations	Yes	19	C
21	Baxter	2 violations	Yes	16	F
22	Beattyville	2 violations	Yes	21	C
23	Bronston	2 violations	Yes	10	B+
24	Brandenburg	2 violations	Yes	2	B+
25	Ewing	2 violations	Yes	10	B+
26	Ledbetter	2 violations	Yes	1	C+
27	Calhoun	2 violations	Yes	21	C
28	Owingsville	2 violations	Yes	5	A-
29	Irvington	2 violations	Yes	25	A-
30	Trenton	2 violations	Yes	4	A
31	Louisville	1 violations	Yes	7	B+
32	Somerset	1 violations	Yes	4	B+
33	Burlington	1 violations	Yes	6	B
34	Pikeville	1 violations	Yes	79	D
35	Ashland	1 violations	Yes	37	C+
36	Henderson	1 violations	Yes	7	B
37	Glasgow	1 violations	Yes	3	A
38	Hazard	1 violations	Yes	21	B-
39	Barbourville	1 violations	Yes	10	C+
40	Cynthiana	1 violations	Yes	29	C+
41	Lebanon	1 violations	Yes	11	A-
42	Shelbyville	1 violations	Yes	4	A-
43	Greenville	1 violations	Yes	17	C+
44	Grayson	1 violations	Yes	26	B-
45	Monticello	1 violations	Yes	7	A-
46	Cadiz	1 violations	Yes	4	B+
47	Hartford	1 violations	Yes	77	C
48	Lancaster	1 violations	Yes	13	B+
49	Hardinsburg	1 violations	Yes	29	A-
50	Pineville	1 violations	Yes	14	C+
51	Irvine,	1 violations	Yes	11	B
52	Liberty	1 violations	Yes	32	C+
53	Paris	1 violations	Yes	39	C+
54	Springfield	1 violations	Yes	6	A
55	Salyersville	1 violations	Yes	46	B-
56	Burkesville	1 violations	Yes	40	B-
57	Russell Springs	1 violations	Yes	10	B+
58	Albany	1 violations	Yes	21	B-
59	Jamestown	1 violations	Yes	23	B
60	Vanceburg	1 violations	Yes	1	A
61	Brodhead	1 violations	Yes	4	A-
62	Sparta	1 violations	Yes	0	A
63	Central City	1 violations	Yes	7	A
64	Livermore	1 violations	Yes	31	B
65	Raceland	1 violations	Yes	0	A-
66	Marion	1 violations	Yes	34	B+
67	Dover	1 violations	Yes	0	A-
68	Garrison	1 violations	Yes	0	A
69	Auburn	1 violations	Yes	5	A-
70	Morgantown	1 violations	Yes	6	B+
71	Guthrie	1 violations	Yes	2	B+
72	Tompkinsville	1 violations	Yes	19	B-
73	Lacenter	1 violations	Yes	3	B-
74	Burnside	1 violations	Yes	9	A-
75	Kevil	1 violations	Yes	2	B
76	Benham	1 violations	Yes	6	B
77	Arlington	1 violations	Yes	0	B+
78	Livingston	1 violations	Yes	0	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about arsenic in Kentucky

Is arsenic in Kentucky tap water a concern?

Yes — 78 cities in Kentucky have arsenic-related violations on record. The EPA MCL for arsenic is 10 µg/L. Even at levels below the MCL, long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

How can I remove arsenic from my drinking water in Kentucky?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective at removing arsenic, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Specialized arsenic-removal media (such as iron-based adsorption filters) are also highly effective. Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters do NOT effectively remove arsenic. If your water comes from a private well, have it tested for arsenic.

Where does arsenic in Kentucky water come from?

Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through natural erosion of arsenic-bearing rock formations. It is most common in groundwater systems in the western United States, parts of the Midwest, and New England. Industrial sources include mining, smelting, and agricultural pesticide residues. Groundwater sources are far more likely to contain arsenic than surface water.

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