Water Quality in Louisville, KY: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 64/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Louisville's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Within the water supply network of Louisville, KY, no EPA violations appear anywhere in the federal compliance record — 1 public water system are tracked here, and not one has been cited for an MCL exceedance, a monitoring failure, or any other reportable compliance event.
Water Quality Map: Louisville, KY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Louisville
Water quality varies across Louisville's 66 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40205 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40207 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40213 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40214 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40216 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40218 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40219 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40222 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40206 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40220 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40258 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40272 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40299 | C | 60 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40202 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 40204 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Louisville, Kentucky receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 64 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Louisville. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Louisville's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Louisville water systems is 0.0011 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Louisville has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Louisville is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Louisville
Louisville is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 764,769 people across 66 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Louisville
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Louisville vs. Nearby Kentucky Cities
How Louisville's water quality compares to similar cities in Kentucky:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | C | 0 | 1 | 764,769 |
| Brooks | D | 0 | 1 | 764,769 |
| Eastwood | D | 0 | 1 | 764,769 |
| Fairdale | F | 0 | 1 | 764,769 |
Recommended Water Filters for Louisville
Based on contaminants detected in Louisville's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chlorine Residual (Chloramines)
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acids
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Louisville
Water quality varies across Louisville's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40205 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40207 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40213 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40214 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40216 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40218 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40219 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40222 | 55 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40206 | 60 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40220 | 60 | C | 0 | 0 |
| 40201 | 83 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 40252 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 40251 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 40243 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 40210 | 70 | B | 0 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Louisville range from 55 to 83 — a spread of 28 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Louisville Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Louisville, Kentucky:
Is Louisville water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Louisville's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Louisville tap water? Louisville's water receives a grade of C (64/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Louisville? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Louisville vs. Kentucky Average
Understanding how Louisville compares to the broader Kentucky average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Louisville.
ZIP Codes in Louisville
Louisville spans 66 ZIP codes. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.