Is Carbon, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.7/100
waterverge.com Carbon, IN — Water Quality Report
Carbon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,088 residents using purchased ground water.
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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carbon's water
Carbon ranks #222 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Carbon purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Carbon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carbon, IN water safe to drink?
Carbon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,088 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carbon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carbon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Carbon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Carbon's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1959. 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 Cecil M. Harden Lake, Big Raccoon Creek, Big Walnut Creek.
Where does Carbon's water come from?
Carbon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,088 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cecil M. Harden Lake (lake), Big Raccoon Creek (river), Big Walnut Creek (river).
What Carbon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carbon'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.
Carbon'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 Carbon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carbon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAVE O'MARA CONTRACTOR INC BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
GREAT DANE TRAILERS BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
METALS & ADDITIVES CORP BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
PPG BRAZIL POWDER BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
PPG BRAZIL LIQUID BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clay County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1959. 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 Carbon compares by contaminant
Explore where Carbon ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carbon's water comes from
Carbon purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Carbon's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,088 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Carbon
Carbon is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carbon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARBON WATER CORPORATION | IN5211002 | 1,088 | GWP |
How Carbon compares
Full Indiana rankings →Carbon's score of 80.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Carbon, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carbon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Carbon, IN tap water safe to drink?
Carbon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #222 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Carbon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Carbon'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 Carbon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carbon's water come from?
Carbon's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,088 residents.
What health violations has Carbon's water system had?
Carbon has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carbon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carbon 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 13 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 Carbon's water compare to other cities?
Carbon ranks #222 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 46% of state cities) and #7760 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Carbon's small water system affect quality?
Carbon's system serves approximately 1,088 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 13 violations on record.