Is Albion, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
55.2/100
waterverge.com Albion, IN — Water Quality Report
Albion's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,535 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 31.3 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 164 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Albion's water
Albion ranks #372 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Albion 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Albion may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Albion, IN water safe to drink?
Albion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Albion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Albion's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Albion's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Albion's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Noble County has experienced 2 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 Sylvan Lake, Waldron Lake, Nb Elkhart River.
Where does Albion's water come from?
Albion's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sylvan Lake (lake), Waldron Lake (lake), Nb Elkhart River (river).
What Albion residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Albion's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Albion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Albion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LINAMAR INDIANA PLANT 1 ALBION, IN46701 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
DEXTER AXLE ALBION, IN46701 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN FLUID SYSTEM CONNECTORS DIV ALBION, IN46701 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
LINAMAR INDIANA PLANT 2 ALBION, IN46701 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
MAHONEY FOUNDRIES INC KENDALLVILLE, IN46755 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Noble County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Albion's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 31.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Albion compares by contaminant
Explore where Albion ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Albion's water comes from
Albion'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 2,535 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Albion
Albion is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Albion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBION WATER & SEWER | IN5257001 | 2,349 | GW |
| CHAIN O LAKES CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | IN5257023 | 186 | GW |
How Albion compares
Full Indiana rankings →Albion's score of 55.2/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Albion, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Albion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Noble
Frequently asked questions
Is Albion, IN tap water safe to drink?
Albion's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #372 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Albion's water?
Lead was measured at 31.3 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is Albion'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 Albion?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Albion's water come from?
Albion's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,535 residents.
What health violations has Albion's water system had?
Albion has 6 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. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Albion's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Albion 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 164 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 Albion's water compare to other cities?
Albion ranks #372 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 10% of state cities) and #12548 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.