Is Camden, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Camden ranks. What to do next ↓
94.9/100
Camden, IN — Water Quality Report
Camden's drinking water received a grade of A (94.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 611 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.1 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Camden's water
Camden ranks #6 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Camden 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, Camden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Camden, IN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Camden's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 611 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Camden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Camden'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
Camden's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll 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 Deer Creek, Wildcat Creek.
Where does Camden's water come from?
Camden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 611 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deer Creek (river), Wildcat Creek (river).
What Camden residents can do
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.
Camden'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 Camden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Camden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 167 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAELZ SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS LLC LOGANSPORT, IN46947 | Zinc compounds | 167 | 9.3 mi |
INDIANA PACKERS CORP DELPHI, IN46923 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
KENT NUTRITION GROUP INC LOGANSPORT, IN46947 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
THE ANDERSONS MARATHON HOLDINGS LLC - CLYMERS FACILITY LOGANSPORT, IN46947 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
ALLOY CUSTOM PRODUCTS LLC LAFAYETTE, IN47905 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Carroll 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Camden'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. | 5.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Camden compares by contaminant
Explore where Camden ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Camden's water comes from
Camden'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 611 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Camden
Camden is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Camden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMDEN WATER UTILITY | IN5208001 | 611 | GW |
How Camden compares
Full Indiana rankings →Camden's score of 94.9/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Camden, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Camden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Camden, IN tap water safe to drink?
Camden's water quality earned a grade of A (94.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Camden's water?
Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Camden'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 Camden?
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 Camden's water come from?
Camden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 611 residents.
Is Camden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Camden 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 2 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 Camden's water compare to other cities?
Camden ranks #6 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 99% of state cities) and #406 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Camden's small water system affect quality?
Camden's system serves approximately 611 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 2 violations on record.