A
85

Excellent Water Quality

Whitesburg, KY 41858

Letcher County · Population served: 3,861 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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WHITESBURG WATER WORKS
Surface water · Pop. 3,861
PWSID: KY0670466

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

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

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Whitesburg

Tap water quality in Whitesburg, Kentucky (41858) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85 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 Whitesburg Water Works, a surface water system providing water to approximately 3,861 people. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 5 violations, including 3 health-based violations.

Your Score 85/100 A
vs State 1 pts above Kentucky avg (84)
vs National 10 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 85/100 means the water supply in Whitesburg, KY meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Whitesburg, Kentucky receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85/100. 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 41858 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 3,861 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.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 41858. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Whitesburg, Kentucky during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Whitesburg, Kentucky have received 5 violations in the last 5 years, including 3 health-based violations. 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.

Water in Whitesburg, Kentucky shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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