Water Quality in Salem, IN: 22 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Salem's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Salem, IN have accumulated 22 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Salem
Water quality varies across Salem's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47167 | D | 53 | 22 | 12 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Salem.
Water Quality Overview
Salem, Indiana receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Salem have accumulated 22 EPA violations, including 12 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 18,963 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Salem'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 Salem water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 66% of homes built before 1986, Salem 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
Salem 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 Salem
Salem is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 18,963 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Salem. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Salem
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 Salem Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Salem's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 1 | 1 | 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 Salem:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 7 in 2021 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Salem. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-07-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-07-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-20 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-31.
Salem vs. Nearby Indiana Cities
How Salem's water quality compares to similar cities in Indiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem | D | 22 | 3 | 18,963 |
| Koleen | D | 0 | 1 | 19,028 |
| Logansport | D | 2 | 4 | 18,822 |
| Austin | C | 5 | 1 | 19,120 |
Common Questions About Salem Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Salem, Indiana:
Is Salem water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Salem's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Salem tap water? Salem's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 12 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Salem? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Salem vs. Indiana Average
Understanding how Salem 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 Salem.
ZIP Codes in Salem
Salem spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 47167. 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.