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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 40 cities in Indiana
Across the 40 Indiana water systems we track, the average water quality score is 81/100 — 9 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 85% of Indiana cities (34 of 40) score above that national benchmark, and 18 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Indiana water systems are nitrates (agricultural runoff), lead (older service lines) and atrazine and other herbicides. See the full breakdown in our Indiana water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Indiana
63,830 residents
26,211 residents
33,410 residents
35,246 residents
46,410 residents
65,194 residents
35,467 residents
53,923 residents
72,556 residents
69,604 residents
99,757 residents
21,673 residents
54,788 residents
103,453 residents
270,402 residents
37,603 residents
37,829 residents
60,690 residents
79,168 residents
69,739 residents
887,642 residents
98,977 residents
22,479 residents
49,668 residents
49,447 residents
59,241 residents
35,203 residents
34,517 residents
49,370 residents
34,609 residents
22,333 residents
29,646 residents
50,474 residents
27,730 residents
29,752 residents
30,990 residents
31,032 residents
117,298 residents
77,879 residents
51,063 residents
Indiana's water quality reflects its mix of heavy agriculture and a strong industrial and manufacturing legacy. Northern and central Indiana face nitrate and pesticide pressure from farming, while the industrial corridor near Lake Michigan and along the Ohio River has historically dealt with industrial discharges. Aging lead service lines in older cities are an ongoing concern.
Based on our analysis of 40 cities in Indiana, the average water quality score is 81/100. 4 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Mishawaka with a score of 46/100, while Greenwood has the most room for improvement at 97/100.
4 of the 40 Indiana cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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Indiana draws from both surface water and abundant groundwater. The Ohio River supplies southern communities including Evansville, while Indianapolis relies on the White River and reservoirs. Glacial aquifers across the northern two-thirds of the state provide groundwater to many cities and rural wells.
These contaminants have been detected in various Indiana water systems
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) administers the Safe Drinking Water Act in Indiana and runs source water protection and lead service line inventory programs. Indiana follows federal EPA standards and has begun statewide PFAS sampling of public systems.
Lead is a priority concern in older cities such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Gary where lead service lines remain. Agricultural regions can see seasonal nitrate spikes. Some northern Indiana groundwater contains naturally elevated arsenic, and PFAS has been detected near certain industrial and military sites.
Indiana residents in pre-1986 homes should test tap water for lead and use an NSF 53 certified filter if needed. Private-well owners in farm country should test for nitrate and bacteria annually. Reverse osmosis addresses nitrate, arsenic, and PFAS; carbon filters help with chlorine taste and disinfection byproducts.
Most Indiana cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 81/100 across 40 cities we analyzed, Indiana generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Indiana include nitrates (agricultural runoff), lead (older service lines), atrazine and other herbicides. These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 4 cities in Indiana showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Indiana are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Indiana water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Indiana. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Indiana city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Mishawaka has the highest water quality score in Indiana at 46/100 (Grade F). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Indiana page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Indiana are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area