Water Quality in Kokomo, IN: 68 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Kokomo's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA monitoring has flagged 68 reportable events for water systems in Kokomo, IN.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Kokomo
Water quality varies across Kokomo's 4 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46901 | D | 53 | 17 | 2 | View report → |
| 46902 | C | 63 | 17 | 2 | View report → |
| 46903 | C | 64 | 17 | 2 | View report → |
| 46904 | C | 68 | 17 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Kokomo.
Water Quality Overview
Kokomo, Indiana receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Kokomo have accumulated 68 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 4 ZIP codes serving approximately 60,456 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Kokomo's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Kokomo water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 72% of homes built before 1986, Kokomo 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
Kokomo 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 Kokomo
Kokomo is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 60,456 people across 4 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 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Kokomo. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Kokomo
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 Kokomo Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Kokomo's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 20 | 4 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 4 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 4 | 4 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 4 | 4 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 4 | No |
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 4 | 4 | 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 Kokomo:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 | 4 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Kokomo. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-21 | State Order Action |
| 2025-03-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-06 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-16.
Kokomo vs. Nearby Indiana Cities
How Kokomo's water quality compares to similar cities in Indiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokomo | C | 68 | 5 | 60,456 |
| Columbus | C | 21 | 3 | 59,914 |
| Anderson | C | 88 | 3 | 61,022 |
| Markleville | D | 0 | 1 | 58,942 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Kokomo
Water quality varies across Kokomo's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46901 | 53 | D | 17 | 2 |
| 46902 | 63 | C | 17 | 2 |
| 46903 | 64 | C | 17 | 2 |
| 46904 | 68 | C | 17 | 2 |
Common Questions About Kokomo Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Kokomo, Indiana:
Is Kokomo water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Kokomo's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Kokomo tap water? Kokomo's water receives a grade of C (62/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Kokomo? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Kokomo vs. Indiana Average
Understanding how Kokomo 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 Kokomo.
ZIP Codes in Kokomo
Kokomo spans 4 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 46901. 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.