Is Cannelton, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Cannelton, IN — Water Quality Report
Cannelton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,358 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 42 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cannelton's water
Cannelton ranks #166 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cannelton 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, Cannelton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cannelton, IN water safe to drink?
Cannelton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,358 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cannelton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cannelton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cannelton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cannelton's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Ohio River.
Where does Cannelton's water come from?
Cannelton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,358 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Cannelton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cannelton'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.
Cannelton'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 Cannelton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cannelton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45,361 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMTAR PAPER CO LLC HAWESVILLE MILL HAWESVILLE, KY42348 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 45,096 | 2.8 mi |
WAUPACA FOUNDRY-PLANT 5 TELL CITY, IN47586 | Zinc compounds | 255 | 5.3 mi |
COMMONWEALTH ROLLED PRODUCTS INC LEWISPORT, KY42351 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 8 | 6.8 mi |
PRECOAT METALS HAWESVILLE, KY42348 | Nickel compounds | 2 | 2.7 mi |
SOUTHWIRE CO KENTUCKY PLANT HAWESVILLE, KY423480500 | Lead compounds | 0 | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPerry County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Perry County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Cannelton compares by contaminant
Explore where Cannelton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cannelton's water comes from
Cannelton'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 2,358 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cannelton
Cannelton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cannelton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANNELTON UTILITIES | IN5262002 | 1,658 | GW |
| TROY TOWNSHIP WATER ASSOCIATION | IN5262006 | 700 | GWP |
How Cannelton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Cannelton's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Cannelton, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cannelton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Cannelton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Cannelton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #166 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Cannelton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Cannelton'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 Cannelton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cannelton's water come from?
Cannelton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,358 residents.
What health violations has Cannelton's water system had?
Cannelton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cannelton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cannelton 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 42 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 Cannelton's water compare to other cities?
Cannelton ranks #166 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 60% of state cities) and #5780 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.