Lexington, Kentucky’s tap water is consistently safe to drink, meeting or surpassing strict federal and state regulations. The safety of the public water supply relies on the quality of its source, effective treatment, and consistent regulatory oversight. Based on public records, the water utility serving Lexington demonstrates this compliance. This adherence to standards is the primary indicator that the water is safe for consumption directly from the tap.
Lexington’s Water Source and Treatment Process
The municipal water supply, managed by Kentucky American Water, is sourced entirely from surface water. Primary sources include the Kentucky River (pools 3 and 9) and the Jacobson Reservoir in Fayette County. Because these sources are vulnerable to contamination from runoff and natural processes, a rigorous multi-step treatment process is necessary.
Purification Steps
The process begins with chemical coagulation and flocculation, where chemicals bind with dirt and organic particles, forming larger clumps called “floc.” These clumps are removed during sedimentation as they settle to the bottom of tanks. Next, the water passes through filters made of sand, gravel, and activated carbon in the filtration step, removing remaining smaller particles. The final step is disinfection, where chloramines are added to kill bacteria or viruses. Chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, maintain a residual disinfectant effect as the water travels through the distribution pipelines.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety Standards
The safety of Lexington’s drinking water is governed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This law mandates strict standards for over 90 potential contaminants. The Kentucky Division of Water is responsible for implementing and enforcing the SDWA at the state level.
These agencies establish Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which represent the highest concentration of a contaminant legally allowed in public drinking water. The utility adheres to a rigorous testing schedule, with results regularly reported to the state. Kentucky American Water has been nationally recognized by the EPA’s Partnership for Safe Water program for surpassing these federal and state standards.
Understanding Water Quality Reports and Key Contaminants
Residents can check their water quality by reviewing the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is mandated by the EPA and published by the utility. This report details all required testing results and consistently confirms compliance with all MCLs for regulated substances.
Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
A persistent concern in chlorinated water systems is the presence of DBPs, such as Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). These compounds form when the disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the source water. While reported levels are below the legal MCL, some assessments suggest levels are above stricter, non-regulatory health guidelines.
Lead and Emerging Contaminants
Lead is rarely found in the treated source water but typically occurs in older homes when water corrodes interior plumbing or fixtures. The utility actively monitors lead at customers’ taps, and results are far below the EPA’s action level. Residents in older homes are still advised to check their service lines. Emerging contaminants, such as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are also monitored, with the utility investing in research in anticipation of future federal regulations.
Addressing Common Concerns and Home Filtration
Many residents question water safety due to aesthetic issues like taste, odor, or mineral buildup. Lexington’s water is classified as hard to very hard, typically 150 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. This high mineral content is harmless to health but causes scale buildup and can affect beverage taste.
The use of chloramines for disinfection, while effective for safety, can impart a medicinal or chemical taste or odor. A home filtration system is a simple solution to address these aesthetic concerns. Filters, such as pitcher or under-sink reverse osmosis systems, can effectively remove chlorine residuals and reduce mineral content, improving taste and clarity. Installing a filter is generally a matter of personal preference for improved taste or to mitigate appliance wear, not a mandatory safety measure.