Paducah Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Paducah residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. At just 68.4 ppm (4 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
4 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Paducah Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Paducah tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 65K people in the Paducah area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Paducah Water?
68.4 ppm
4 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 50 water samples from McCracken County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Paducah tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Paducah
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0 ppb
Paducah lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Paducah's Water?
Utility Name
PADUCAH WATER WORKS
EPA System ID (PWSID)
KY0730533
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
65K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paducah tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Kentucky
View all Kentucky citiesThis data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology