Henderson Municipal Water & Sewer

The area surrounding our water resource is primarily residential with some industrial activities present. The most recent source water assessment for our system is complete and available in the Henderson County Water Supply Strategy, which can be viewed at HWU or the GRADD office in Owensboro, KY.

Our Ohio River water intake (located at river mile marker 803) has been assessed as having moderate susceptibility to contamination, though certain areas remain high-risk. Potential contamination sources include bridges, waste facilities, transporters, landfills, railroads, agricultural lands, and sewer systems – all rated high due to contaminant types, proximity, and release potential.

Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals, potentially radioactive materials, and may collect substances from animal or human activities.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than others. Those with compromised immune systems (cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, elderly individuals, and infants) should consult their healthcare providers about drinking water safety. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Lead, a common plumbing material before the 1980s, poses significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Even low lead levels can cause behavioral problems, learning difficulties, lower IQ, hyperactivity, delayed growth, hearing issues, and anemia in children.

Our water is lead-free when leaving the treatment plant and flowing through main water lines. However, lead may be present in older service lines or home plumbing. While our records indicate all lead service lines have been removed, undocumented cases occasionally emerge. If concerned, we recommend having your water tested by a qualified laboratory, especially in households with young children or pregnant women.

For immediate protection, you can minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours. More information is available at www.hkywater.org/i-didnt-know-that/lead-and-copper-in-your-drinking-water or by calling 270-826-2421.

HWU offers free plant tours for schools, clubs, home school co-ops, and organizations. We make these tours interactive, educational, and fun for children, with customizable lengths from one to three hours for groups up to 30 people. Our water quality staff is also available for classroom visits to discuss exciting career opportunities in the water treatment industry.

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