Indianapolis Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Indianapolis tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At 301.5 ppm (17.6 gpg), the water is quite hard — you may notice mineral buildup on fixtures. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
17.6 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Very Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Indianapolis Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Indianapolis tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
13 contaminants were tested in Indianapolis's water. 11 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 48 ppb — 60% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 4 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPEA at 5.46 ppt.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Barium at 0.035 ppm (2% of EPA limit).
Radioactive Contaminants — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Radium 226/228 at 0.8 pCi/L (16% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.62 ppm (16% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 875K people in the Indianapolis area.
Based on publicly available data from Citizens Energy Group CCR 2024 (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Indianapolis water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. With very hard water (301.5 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Indianapolis Water?
301.5 ppm
17.6 grains per gallon
Very hard water causes significant mineral buildup. A water softener is recommended.
Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Dries out skin & hair
Kitchen
Heavy mineral deposits
Laundry
Stiff, dingy clothes
Appliances
Significant scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 301.5 ppm, Indianapolis has very hard water. A water softener can help prevent scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes. According to the Water Quality Research Foundation, hard water can reduce appliance efficiency and increase energy costs. A whole-house water softener or salt-free conditioner can help.
Range: 149–420 ppm
Based on 96 samples from Citizens Energy Group CCR 2024 (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Indianapolis tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Indianapolis
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
5.18 ppb
Indianapolis lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Trihalomethanes
60% of EPA limit
Range: 24–70 ppb
Haloacetic Acids
57% of EPA limit
Range: 17–50 ppb
Chloramine
50% of EPA limit
Range: 0.12–2.9 ppm
Radium 226/228
16% of EPA limit
Range: 0–0.8 pCi/L
Other Detected Contaminants
13 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Trihalomethanes | 48 ppb Range: 24-70 Avg 48, highest LRAA 58 ppb | 80 ppb | Caution 60% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids | 34 ppb Range: 17-50 Avg 34, highest LRAA 42 ppb | 60 ppb | Caution 57% of limit |
Fluoride | 0.62 ppm Range: 0.094-0.95 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 16% of limit |
Nitrate | 0.064 ppm Range: 0-3.3 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 1% of limit |
Chloramine | 2 ppm Range: 0.12-2.9 MRDL 4 ppm | 4 ppm | Safe 50% of limit |
Barium | 0.035 ppm Range: 0.026-0.27 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 2% of limit |
Radium 226/228 | 0.8 pCi/L Range: 0-0.8 2022 data | 5 pCi/L 0 | Safe 16% of limit |
PFBA | 5.35 ppt Range: 0-5.7 UCMR5 - 2/26 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 3.63 ppt Range: 0-4 UCMR5 - 3/26 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 4.27 ppt Range: 0-5.1 UCMR5 - 9/26 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/26 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/26 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 5.46 ppt Range: 0-7.6 UCMR5 - 11/26 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Indianapolis's Water?
Utility Name
CITIZENS WATER - INDIANAPOLIS
EPA System ID (PWSID)
IN5249004
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
875K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Indianapolis tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Indiana
Fort Wayne
Very Hard water
Merrillville
Very Hard water
Evansville
Very Hard water
Gary
Very Hard water
Carmel
Very Hard water
Jeffersonville
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Citizens Energy Group CCR 2024 (2024)