WaterVerge

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 ↓

611 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5208001
Overall Score
94.9 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#6 of 414 in Indiana Top 3% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.9/100
waterverge.com
A 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.9 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Camden, IN water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

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).

None
Violations
5.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Camden

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Camden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.9/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Camden's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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.

MR
Most recent violations:
Oct 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1980 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U 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.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4363
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

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

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 34% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

2
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Oct 1996
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

2 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
2 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Oct 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1996
Jun 1980 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1980
Industrial pollution

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WAELZ SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS LLC
Primary Metals · NA
LOGANSPORT, IN46947
Zinc compounds1679.3 mi
INDIANA PACKERS CORP
Food · MCC DEVELOPMENT CORP
DELPHI, IN46923
6.8 mi
KENT NUTRITION GROUP INC
Food · KENT CORP
LOGANSPORT, IN46947
7.0 mi
THE ANDERSONS MARATHON HOLDINGS LLC - CLYMERS FACILITY
Chemicals · THE ANDERSONS INC
LOGANSPORT, IN46947
9.4 mi
ALLOY CUSTOM PRODUCTS LLC
Fabricated Metals · PLUG POWER INC
LAFAYETTE, IN47905
9.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
May 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

May 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4363
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Camden's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.1 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.1 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (5.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
611
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Camden's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Deer Creek
river
Wildcat Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Camden

System Name PWSID Population Source
CAMDEN WATER UTILITY IN5208001 611 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Camden (this city)
94.9
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Camden, IN

Economic Profile
$53,750
Median Income
$84,919
Median Home Value
$604/mo
Median Rent
1%
Unemployment
Community
36.4
Median Age
586
People / sq mi
11.5%
College Educated
85.1%
Homeownership
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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.