WaterVerge

Is Albany, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5218001
Overall Score
86.8 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#126 of 414 in Indiana Top 28% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.8/100

Albany, IN — Water Quality Report

Albany's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,165 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Albany's water

Albany ranks #126 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Albany 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, Albany may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Albany, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Albany's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,165 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Albany

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Albany's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Disaster
BLIZZARD OF 96

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1109). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Albany's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMONRPTMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Feb 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2019 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Delaware 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. Local water sources include White River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA DR-1109
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Albany's water come from?

Albany's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,165 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River (river).

What Albany residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Albany'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

24
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

24 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
19 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Revised Total Coliform Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Sep 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2023
Feb 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2019
Jan 2012 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
May 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jan 2002 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Showing 20 of 24 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Albany

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MPLX TERMINALS LLC - MUNCIE IN TERMINAL
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
MUNCIE, IN47303
7.1 mi
ARDAGH GLASS INC
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · ARDAGH HOLDINGS USA INC
DUNKIRK, IN47336
4.8 mi
OX PAPERBOARD EATON LLC.
Paper · OX INDUSTRIES
EATON, IN47338
6.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Delaware 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Apr 1996
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA #1109
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
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 (3.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,165
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Albany's water comes from

Groundwater

Albany'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 2,165 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Albany

Albany is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

White River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Albany

System Name PWSID Population Source
ALBANY WATER DEPARTMENT IN5218001 2,165 GW
Regional Comparison

How Albany compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Albany's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Albany (this city)
86.8
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Albany, IN

Wikipedia →

Albany is a town in Delaware and Randolph counties in the U.S. state of Indiana, along the Mississinewa River. The population was 2,295 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muncie, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$53,246
Median Income
$101,362
Median Home Value
$761/mo
Median Rent
3.8%
Unemployment
Community
49.2
Median Age
556
People / sq mi
14.5%
College Educated
79.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Albany, IN tap water safe to drink?

Albany's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #126 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Albany's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.

How is Albany'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 Albany?

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

Where does Albany's water come from?

Albany's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,165 residents.

Is Albany's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Albany 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 24 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 Albany's water compare to other cities?

Albany ranks #126 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 70% of state cities) and #4455 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Albany's small water system affect quality?

Albany's system serves approximately 2,165 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 24 violations on record.