Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Lexington?
Yes, tap water in Lexington is safe to drink. Kentucky American Water treats Kentucky River water at modern plants, and the supply meets all EPA standards.
Water Source
Kentucky American Water, the investor-owned utility serving Lexington, draws primarily from the Kentucky River (with intakes at Pool 9) plus Jacobson Reservoir, treating supply at the Kentucky River Station and Richmond Road Station plants.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, with a consistent compliance record.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •Disinfection byproducts from treating river water in the karst limestone region are monitored and kept within EPA limits
- •Agricultural runoff (nutrients, occasional pesticide traces) in the Kentucky River watershed is a routine monitoring item
- •The limestone geology that famously benefits bourbon and horse country gives the water natural calcium hardness
Water Quality Data
Key contaminants detected vs. regulatory limits. All values from the most recent published report — Source: Kentucky American Water 2024 CCR.
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (total) | 1.7 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Fluoride | 0.72 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 2.8 µg/L | 15.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| Nitrate (as N) | 1.3 mg/L | 10.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) | 36.2 µg/L | 80.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) | 25.4 µg/L | 60.0 µg/L | ✓ |
✓ = below limit ⚠ = above health goal ✗ = exceeds guideline
How It Compares
Lexington's limestone-filtered watershed is the same geology credited with Kentucky's bourbon and thoroughbred industries; the water is harder than Appalachian surface systems but treats reliably to full compliance.
Tips
- •The annual water quality report is published by Kentucky American Water
- •Hardness scale on kettles is cosmetic; softeners are optional
- •No safety filter is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality