Legislators and Local Officials Refute Claims That Pendleton County Water is Unsafe

  • Water samples, obtained by the city’s water department, were analyzed and reported with the above data. They point out violations at the bottom of the information; however, the information itself shows no contaminates are in violation of health standards. The Division of Water reported the lead, which is still not in violation of safety standards, was in two of the 25 samples taken, and those reflected “two household plumbing or sampling errors as they just drop off these bottles for people to fill and put
    Water samples, obtained by the city’s water department, were analyzed and reported with the above data. They point out violations at the bottom of the information; however, the information itself shows no contaminates are in violation of health standards. The Division of Water reported the lead, which is still not in violation of safety standards, was in two of the 25 samples taken, and those reflected “two household plumbing or sampling errors as they just drop off these bottles for people to fill and put

    Frankfort, Kentucky (December 1, 2023) – Representative Mark Hart, R – Falmouth, met with local lawmakers and public safety officials early this week to discuss claims coming from the Falmouth mayor’s office claiming that Pendleton County drinking water is unfit for human consumption.

    According to the most recent City of Falmouth Water Quality Report, there are no known violations in the state mandated standards for water quality.

    “Having lived in Falmouth my whole life and being a regular consumer of our water, I confidently refute the allegations against its quality," said Representative Hart. "We continually strive to maintain and enhance our infrastructure, ensuring that the water available to us remains of the highest standard. Stringent state and federal regulations consistently monitor toxin levels, prioritizing our safety, guaranteeing that any potential issues would be corrected in a swift manner.”

    Also offering her support, Senator Shelly Funke Frommeyer, R – Alexandria, issued the following statement:

    “I’ve been informed by those with direct oversight of the local water supply there is no cause for concern,” Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer said. “I think it is important we defer to those with our local water authority on this matter. They work daily to ensure high standards for safe and healthy water is supplied to homes and businesses in Falmouth. As an elected member of a legislative body that appropriated hundreds of millions of available federal funds to improve water and wastewater systems across the commonwealth, I want to assure my constituents I will remain actively engaged to diligently monitor issues related to the quality of water here in Falmouth.”

    With public health and safety in mind, the United States established the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974 to protect the quality of drinking water throughout the U.S. This law’s primary focus is on any water that can or could be used for human consumption.

    “I have always had complete confidence in the Falmouth water treatment facility, in their ability to effectively treat the water supply for the city of Falmouth and surrounding water customers,” said County Judge-Executive David Fields on behalf of the entire Pendleton County Fiscal Court. “After meeting with representatives from the division of water, we have been assured that the water is safe and meets all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, presenting no need for concern.”

    Joining Judge-Executive Fields in his remarks was Falmouth City Council member Sabrina Hazen.

    “While it is understandable to have concern for our overall well-being after hearing such negative suggestions about our water supply, I would like to join my colleagues in quelling any fear,” said Councilmember Hazen. “The 2022 annual water report raised no concern for possible pollutants in our water system, and I fully anticipate the 2023 report to have no indication for worry. State regulators keep a constant watch over our waterways, and would intervene if they saw cause for concern.”

    According to records from the Kentucky Energy and Environment’s Division of Water, the City of Falmouth Water Department has completed all monitoring required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Drinking water samples collected complied with SDWA requirements through the third quarter of 2023. Data for the fourth quarter of 2023 is anticipated in February 2024. The Division of Water inspected the Falmouth Water Department in April and September of 2023 and did not document any violations.

    Water quality reports are publicly available via the internet at tapwaterinfo.com/falmouth.pdf. Other compliance reports can be found via the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website.