West Harrison, IN Water Safety: 78/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water in West Harrison, IN scores well — low violation counts, above-average safety grade.
How West Harrison Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for West Harrison Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0021 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 42% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.96 — above typical levels.
West Harrison's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 3 systems in West Harrison, IN. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Harrison, Indiana (population ~6,379), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 21,739 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Harrison — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Harrison: B (78/100)
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
West Harrison water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0021 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47060 | B | North Dearborn Water Authority | 5,775 |
All ZIP Codes in West Harrison
- 47060 [B]
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.
West Harrison Community Health Snapshot
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
West Harrison Infrastructure Age
With 42% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Some cities skew heavily toward one construction era; West Harrison does not. The median build year of 1997 reflects a housing stock where older and newer homes share the market in meaningful proportions. That mixed profile means the city carries moderate aggregate plumbing-era risk — with older homes, particularly those built before 1986, representing the portion of the stock where lead-soldered joints may still be present.
Most homes in West Harrison were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in West Harrison
In West Harrison, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in West Harrison are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% above the Indiana average.
West Harrison: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 42% of the West Harrison inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
West Harrison: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood activity in West Harrison is neither negligible nor at the level of the highest-exposure areas in the NFIP dataset. The 22-claim record and 100% flood zone coverage suggest a community that has experienced recurrent events but has not faced the kind of sustained, severe exposure where water-supply contamination becomes a primary public health concern. It sits in a middle range where flood history merits inclusion in any complete local water quality picture.
West Harrison has a moderate flood history with 22 FEMA claims averaging $12,584 per payout. 100% 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>$2,100</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 West Harrison, IN