Is Bainbridge, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74/100
waterverge.com Bainbridge, IN — Water Quality Report
Bainbridge's drinking water received a grade of B- (74 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bainbridge's water
Bainbridge ranks #308 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bainbridge 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, Bainbridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bainbridge, IN water safe to drink?
Bainbridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bainbridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bainbridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. 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-1109). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bainbridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bainbridge's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Big Raccoon Creek, Big Walnut Creek, Plum Creek.
Where does Bainbridge's water come from?
Bainbridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 830 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Raccoon Creek (river), Big Walnut Creek (river), Plum Creek (river).
What Bainbridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bainbridge'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.
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 Bainbridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bainbridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CROWN EQUIPMENT CORP GREENCASTLE, IN46135 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
HEARTLAND AUTOMOTIVE LLC GREENCASTLE, IN46135 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Putnam County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bainbridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Bainbridge ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bainbridge's water comes from
Bainbridge'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 830 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bainbridge
Bainbridge is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bainbridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAINBRIDGE WATER WORKS | IN5267001 | 830 | GW |
How Bainbridge compares
Full Indiana rankings →Bainbridge's score of 74/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Bainbridge, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bainbridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Bainbridge, IN tap water safe to drink?
Bainbridge's water quality earned a grade of B- (74/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #308 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Bainbridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Bainbridge'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 Bainbridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bainbridge's water come from?
Bainbridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 830 residents.
What health violations has Bainbridge's water system had?
Bainbridge has 1 health-based violation 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bainbridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bainbridge 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 10 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 Bainbridge's water compare to other cities?
Bainbridge ranks #308 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 26% of state cities) and #9966 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bainbridge's small water system affect quality?
Bainbridge's system serves approximately 830 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 10 violations on record.