Is Bristol, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.4/100
waterverge.com Bristol, IN — Water Quality Report
Bristol's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,541 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 226 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bristol's water
Bristol ranks #374 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bristol 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.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bristol, IN water safe to drink?
Bristol's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,541 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bristol
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bristol's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Bristol's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bristol's water system has 226 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Elkhart 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 Mill Creek, St. Joseph River, Elkhart River.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,541 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek (river), St. Joseph River (river), Elkhart River (river).
What Bristol residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bristol'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.
Bristol'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bristol
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bristol, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24,522 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MIDDLEBURY CHEESE CO MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 24,508 | 9.8 mi |
ELKHART PRODUCTS CORP ELKHART, IN46514 | Copper | 14 | 8.8 mi |
THOR MOTOR COACH INC BRISTOL, IN46507 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
C3E LLC (DBA CHEM TECH) BRISTOL, IN46507 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
SATELLITE INDUSTRIES INC. BRISTOL, IN46507 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bristol
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.
- LANE STREET GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION5.0 mi
- MAIN STREET WELL FIELD8.1 mi
- NORTH 5TH STREET GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION8.9 mi
- LUSHER STREET GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION9.4 mi
- HIMCO DUMP9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Elkhart 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bristol compares by contaminant
Explore where Bristol ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bristol's water comes from
Bristol'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 3,541 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Bristol
Bristol is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bristol
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRISTOL WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5220003 | 1,805 | GW |
| TIMBERBROOK MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5220027 | 1,418 | GW |
| BRISTOL MOBILE VILLAGE | IN5220001 | 238 | GW |
| HICKORY LANE MOBILE HOME PARK | MI0040469 | 80 | GW |
How Bristol compares
Full Indiana rankings →Bristol's score of 53.4/100 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 Bristol, IN
Wikipedia →Bristol is a town in Washington Township, Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bristol had a population of 1,789.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bristol's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elkhart
Frequently asked questions
Is Bristol, IN tap water safe to drink?
Bristol's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #374 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Bristol's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 226 violations are on record.
How is Bristol'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 Bristol?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,541 residents.
What health violations has Bristol's water system had?
Bristol has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bristol's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bristol 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 226 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 Bristol's water compare to other cities?
Bristol ranks #374 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 10% of state cities) and #12681 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.