Is Butler, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Butler, IN — Water Quality Report
Butler's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Butler's water
Butler ranks #181 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Butler 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Butler may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Butler, IN water safe to drink?
Butler's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Butler
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Butler's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Butler's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Butler's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
DeKalb County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Hamilton Lake, Fish Creek, Cedar Creek.
Where does Butler's water come from?
Butler's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hamilton Lake (lake), Fish Creek (river), Cedar Creek (river).
What Butler residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Butler'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.
Butler'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 Butler
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Butler, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 449 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR VULCRAFT GROUP SAINT JOE DIV SAINT JOE, IN46785 | Zinc compounds | 237 | 7.9 mi |
STEEL DYNAMICS INC-FLAT ROLL DIV BUTLER, IN46721 | Manganese compounds | 191 | 4.3 mi |
HEIDTMAN STEEL PRODUCTS INC. BUTLER, IN46721 | Manganese | 15 | 4.1 mi |
NEW MILLENNIUM BUILDING SYSTEMS LLC BUTLER, IN46721 | Manganese | 6 | 3.7 mi |
BUTLER MILL SERVICE CO BUTLER, IN46721 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
DeKalb County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Butler'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Butler compares by contaminant
Explore where Butler ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Butler's water comes from
Butler'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 2,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Butler
Butler is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Butler
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUTLER WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5217003 | 2,700 | GW |
How Butler compares
Full Indiana rankings →Butler's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Butler, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Butler's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Butler, IN tap water safe to drink?
Butler's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #181 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Butler's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Butler'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 Butler?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Butler's water come from?
Butler's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 residents.
Is Butler's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Butler 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 30 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 Butler's water compare to other cities?
Butler ranks #181 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 56% of state cities) and #6262 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Butler's small water system affect quality?
Butler's system serves approximately 2,700 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 30 violations on record.