Merrillville, IN: 2 Health Violations — 74/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Merrillville, safety indicators for tap water remain above the IN median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How Merrillville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Merrillville Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 8 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.49 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Merrillville
Residential water in Merrillville, IN is supplied by 3 separate utilities — not one centralized authority. Each of those providers operates under its own service territory boundary, maintains its own distribution infrastructure, and files compliance documentation with the EPA on its own timeline. Federal data counts 5 water systems in the area, with these providers collectively accounting for the dominant share of household connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Merrillville, Indiana (population ~38,803), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 244,855 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Merrillville: B (74/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Merrillville water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 9 | 2 |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46410 | C | 4 | 1 | Indiana American Water - Northwest |
| 46411 | B | 4 | 1 | Cuii - Indiana Water Service |
All ZIP Codes in Merrillville
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Merrillville
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Merrillville Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Merrillville Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Merrillville picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Merrillville are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% above the Indiana average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Merrillville
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Merrillville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Merrillville
Merrillville's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 156 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Merrillville has a moderate flood history with 156 FEMA claims averaging $6,601 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,300</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Merrillville, IN