B
79

Good Water Quality

Georgetown, KY 40324

Scott County · Population served: 339,304 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
KENTUCKY-AMERICAN WATER CO
Surface water · Pop. 299,501
PWSID: KY0340250
🏔
NICHOLAS CO WATER DISTRICT
Surface water · Pop. 4,089
PWSID: KY0910314
🏔
GEORGETOWN MUNICIPAL WATER SERVICE
Surface water · Pop. 35,714
PWSID: KY1050157

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
5.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

14 detected 2 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFPeA23.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
6:2 FTS15.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA14.0 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS12.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
6:2 FTS11.1 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFBA11.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBS9.4 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFOA9.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

3Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Georgetown

Tap water quality in Georgetown, Kentucky (40324) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 79 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Kentucky state average of 84. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 339,304 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 79/100 B
vs State 5 pts below Kentucky avg (84)
vs National 4 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 79/100 means the water in Georgetown, KY is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Georgetown, Kentucky receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 79/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 40324 is served by 3 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 339,304 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead was detected at 5.0 ppb in Georgetown, Kentucky. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 14 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Georgetown, Kentucky, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Georgetown, Kentucky have received 3 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Georgetown, Kentucky should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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