Kentucky Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 30 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average81/100

Cities Ranked

Radcliff

Best City (97/100)

Bardstown

Lowest Score (46/100)

77%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Kentucky's 30 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

43% of cities

B Range

37% of cities

C Range

17% of cities

0% of cities

3% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)73%

22 out of 30 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 30 Kentucky Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Radcliff	97/100	A+	24,046	None identified
2	Ashland	96/100	A+	21,625	None identified
3	Erlanger	95/100	A+	19,611	None identified
#4	Hopkinsville	93/100	A	31,180	None identified
#5	Danville	89/100	A-	17,236	None identified
#6	Fort Thomas	89/100	A-	16,523	None identified
#7	Jeffersontown	89/100	A-	28,129	None identified
#8	Henderson	87/100	A-	28,816	None identified
#9	Georgetown	86/100	A-	37,086	None identified
#10	Paducah	86/100	A-	24,865	None identified
#11	Shively	86/100	A-	15,157	None identified
#12	St. Matthews	86/100	A-	18,153	None identified
#13	Bowling Green	85/100	A-	72,294	None identified
#14	Louisville	84/100	B+	633,045	None identified
#15	Winchester	84/100	B+	19,134	None identified
#16	Owensboro	83/100	B+	60,183	None identified
#17	Nicholasville	82/100	B+	31,709	None identified
#18	Richmond	82/100	B+	34,585	None identified
#19	Frankfort	81/100	B+	28,602	None identified
#20	Glasgow	81/100	B+	14,394	None identified
#21	Lexington	81/100	B+	322,570	None identified
#22	Independence	80/100	B+	28,676	None identified
#23	Murray	73/100	B-	19,254	None identified
#24	Covington	71/100	B-	40,181	None identified
#25	Elizabethtown	69/100	C+	31,394	None identified
#26	Florence	69/100	C+	32,721	None identified
#27	Newport	68/100	C+	14,150	None identified
#28	Shelbyville	66/100	C+	17,282	None identified
#29	Madisonville	63/100	C	19,591	None identified
#30	Bardstown	46/100	F	13,567	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Kentucky is found in Radcliff with a score of 97/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Radcliff among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Bardstown scoring 46/100 with a grade of F. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

1 city with D or F grades:

Bardstown — Score: 46/100, Grade: F

The statewide average score is 81/100, which is 9 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (77%) of Kentucky cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Kentucky has the best water quality?

Radcliff has the best water quality in Kentucky with a score of 97/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Radcliff ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Kentucky tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Kentucky. The state average score is 81/100. 73% of Kentucky cities have good water quality (grade B or better). However, 1 city has water quality concerns with a grade of D or F. Residents in those areas should consider water testing and filtration. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Kentucky cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 30 cities tracked in Kentucky, 1 city has a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 5 cities fall in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 23 out of 30 cities (77%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.