WaterVerge

Is Akron, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5225001
Overall Score
84.6 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#167 of 414 in Indiana Top 37% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.6/100

Akron, IN — Water Quality Report

Akron's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,206 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 46 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Akron's water

Akron ranks #167 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Akron relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Akron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
15/20
B
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Akron, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Akron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,206 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Akron

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Akron's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Dalapon.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Akron's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.90 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Akron's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2020 Dalapon Resolved
Jan 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2014 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Fulton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4363
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Akron's water come from?

Akron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,206 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Akron residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Akron's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Akron's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.90 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

46
Total violations
2
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

46 Total
8 Active
2 Health-based
38 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
9
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
3
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2001 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2001 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2020 Resolved
Dalapon
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2020
Jan 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Feb 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2009
Apr 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2008
Jul 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2004
Jan 2001 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jan 2001 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Showing 20 of 46 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Akron

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Akron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 59 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LOUIS DREYFUS CO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LLC
Food · LOUIS DREYFUS CO
CLAYPOOL, IN46510
Methanol569.1 mi
ROCHESTER METAL PRODUCTS CORP
Primary Metals · NA
ROCHESTER, IN46975
Copper39.8 mi
WARSAW BLACK OXIDE INC
Fabricated Metals · NA
BURKET, IN46508
8.5 mi
TECOMET WARSAW-BUILDING #2
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · TECOMET INC
CLAYPOOL, IN46510
9.8 mi
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MENTONE
Food · CARGILL INC
MENTONE, IN46539
9.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Akron

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
May 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Fulton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4363
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Akron's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.90 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2002 (2.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (2002)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,206
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Akron's water comes from

Groundwater

Akron's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,206 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Akron

System Name PWSID Population Source
AKRON WATER DEPARTMENT IN5225001 1,206 GW
Regional Comparison

How Akron compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Akron's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Akron (this city)
84.6
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Akron, IN

Wikipedia →

Akron is a town in Henry Township, Fulton County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,125 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$58,958
Median Income
$112,693
Median Home Value
$795/mo
Median Rent
10.9%
Unemployment
Community
34.5
Median Age
894
People / sq mi
11%
College Educated
72.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Akron, IN tap water safe to drink?

Akron's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #167 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Akron's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.

How is Akron's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Akron?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Akron's water come from?

Akron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,206 residents.

What health violations has Akron's water system had?

Akron has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Akron's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Akron uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 46 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Akron's water compare to other cities?

Akron ranks #167 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 60% of state cities) and #5788 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Akron's small water system affect quality?

Akron's system serves approximately 1,206 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 46 violations on record.