Water Quality in Indianapolis, IN: 1638 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 49/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Indianapolis's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Indianapolis, IN holds 1638 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality Map: Indianapolis, IN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Indianapolis
Water quality varies across Indianapolis's 63 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46220 | D | 41 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46240 | D | 41 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46203 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46205 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46217 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46219 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46221 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46224 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46226 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46227 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46228 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46241 | D | 46 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46207 | D | 48 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46209 | D | 48 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
| 46211 | D | 48 | 26 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Indianapolis.
Water Quality Overview
Indianapolis, Indiana receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 49 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Indianapolis have accumulated 1638 EPA violations, including 315 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 63 ZIP codes serving approximately 999,703 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Indianapolis's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Indianapolis water systems is 0.0052 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 60% of homes built before 1986, Indianapolis has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Indianapolis is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Indianapolis
Indianapolis is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 999,703 people across 63 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 630 enforcement actions against water systems serving Indianapolis. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Indianapolis
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Indianapolis Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Indianapolis's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 504 | 63 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 378 | 63 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 126 | 63 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 126 | 63 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 63 | 63 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 63 | 63 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Indianapolis:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63 | 63 |
| 2025 | 126 | 126 |
Violations have increased from 63 in 2021 to 126 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Indianapolis. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-04-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-04-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-02-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-08-17 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-22.
Indianapolis vs. Nearby Indiana Cities
How Indianapolis's water quality compares to similar cities in Indiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | D | 1638 | 5 | 999,703 |
| Beech Grove | D | 0 | 1 | 880,345 |
| Greenwood | D | 22 | 5 | 543,563 |
| Fort Wayne | C | 559 | 5 | 285,037 |
Recommended Water Filters for Indianapolis
Based on contaminants detected in Indianapolis's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramines (Total Chlorine)
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Indianapolis
Water quality varies across Indianapolis's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46220 | 41 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46240 | 41 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46203 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46205 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46217 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46219 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46221 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46224 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46226 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46227 | 46 | D | 26 | 5 |
| 46290 | 56 | C | 26 | 5 |
| 46278 | 56 | C | 26 | 5 |
| 46254 | 56 | C | 26 | 5 |
| 46239 | 56 | C | 26 | 5 |
| 46236 | 56 | C | 26 | 5 |
Common Questions About Indianapolis Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Indianapolis, Indiana:
Is Indianapolis water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Indianapolis's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Indianapolis tap water? Indianapolis's water receives a grade of D (49/100). There are 315 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Indianapolis? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Indianapolis vs. Indiana Average
Understanding how Indianapolis compares to the broader Indiana average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Indianapolis.
ZIP Codes in Indianapolis
Indianapolis spans 63 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 46201. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.