Louisville
Louisville, KY water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
louisville water company
surface water (rivers/reservoirs) · private · PWSID KY0560258
Below EPA's 15 ppb lead action level at last testing.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · 2026 Q1
With about 243,639 residents, Louisville ranks as the 4th-largest city in Kentucky and a mid-sized city. Water in Louisville is sourced chiefly from Ohio River, Kentucky River, and reservoirs, the backbone of Kentucky's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: aging infrastructure. Plentiful surface water; the main issue is aging distribution systems and rural access.
Statewide, Kentucky recycles about 3% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, Louisville faces moderate to severe drought conditions.
The Kentucky state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving Louisville's water future.
Jefferson County water quality
Source: EPA SDWIS · 2026 Q1
At a glance
- Population ~243,639 (4th-largest in Kentucky)
- Primary sources: Ohio River, Kentucky River, and reservoirs
- Drought: moderate to severe conditions
- State reuse rate: ~3% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Kentucky in severe+ drought (Severe (D2) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Louisville?
Louisville's largest water system, LOUISVILLE WATER COMPANY, serves about 764,769 people. EPA records show 0 health-based violation(s) since 2016 and a most-recent 90th-percentile lead level of 1.1 ppb (EPA action level is 15 ppb). Always check your own provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
Where does Louisville get its water?
LOUISVILLE WATER COMPANY draws primarily from surface water (rivers/reservoirs), part of Kentucky's supply from Ohio River, Kentucky River, reservoirs.