Water Quality in South Bend, IN: 238 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
South Bend'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
SDWIS records for South Bend, IN show 238 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality Map: South Bend, IN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in South Bend
Water quality varies across South Bend's 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46604 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46613 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46614 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46616 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46624 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46626 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46628 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46634 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46635 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46637 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46660 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46680 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46699 | C | 60 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46601 | C | 65 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
| 46615 | C | 65 | 14 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving South Bend.
Water Quality Overview
South Bend, Indiana receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving South Bend have accumulated 238 EPA violations, including 34 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 17 ZIP codes serving approximately 115,425 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. South Bend'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 South Bend water systems is 0.0047 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, South Bend 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
South Bend 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 South Bend
South Bend is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 115,425 people across 17 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 170 enforcement actions against water systems serving South Bend. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in South Bend
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 South Bend Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across South Bend's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 85 | 17 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 51 | 17 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 34 | 17 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 17 | 17 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 17 | 17 | 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 South Bend:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 17 |
| 2024 | 17 | 17 |
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 South Bend. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-10 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-26.
South Bend vs. Nearby Indiana Cities
How South Bend's water quality compares to similar cities in Indiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Bend | C | 238 | 3 | 115,425 |
| Bloomington | C | 216 | 5 | 107,067 |
| Gary | C | 0 | 4 | 104,977 |
| Clarksville | D | 0 | 1 | 104,445 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in South Bend
Water quality varies across South Bend's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46604 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46613 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46614 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46616 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46624 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46626 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46628 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46634 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46635 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46637 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46619 | 65 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46617 | 65 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46615 | 65 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46601 | 65 | C | 14 | 2 |
| 46699 | 60 | C | 14 | 2 |
Common Questions About South Bend Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in South Bend, Indiana:
Is South Bend water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. South Bend's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink South Bend tap water? South Bend's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 34 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for South Bend? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
South Bend vs. Indiana Average
Understanding how South Bend 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 South Bend.
ZIP Codes in South Bend
South Bend spans 17 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 46601. 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.