WaterVerge

Is Chesterfield, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5248004
Overall Score
88.2 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#93 of 414 in Indiana Top 23% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.2/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.2/100

Chesterfield, IN — Water Quality Report

Chesterfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 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 9 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Chesterfield's water

Chesterfield ranks #93 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Chesterfield 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, Chesterfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.2 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Chesterfield, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Chesterfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Chesterfield

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chesterfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.2/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Chesterfield's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Chesterfield's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2021 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
May 2009 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2005 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2001 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2000 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Madison County has experienced 4 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 Buck Creek, White River.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4882
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA DR-1109

Where does Chesterfield's water come from?

Chesterfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Buck Creek (river), White River (river).

What Chesterfield residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chesterfield's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Chesterfield'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
2
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Nov 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
5 Active
2 Health-based
4 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Nov 2021 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Nov 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
May 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2009
Jun 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1995
May 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1995
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 Chesterfield

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chesterfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GARFIELD FACILITY LLC
Primary Metals · EDISON GROUP COS LLC
MUNCIE, IN47302
Lead And Lead Compounds79.7 mi
BEST-EVER DAIRY PRODUCTS
Food · PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY INC
ANDERSON, IN46012
4.5 mi
SIRMAX N.A. INC
Chemicals · NA
ANDERSON, IN46016
5.8 mi
MORIROKU TECHNOLOGY N.A. - A
Transportation Equipment · MORIROKU LTD
ANDERSON, IN46011
8.8 mi
NESTLE USA INC-ANDERSON
Food · NESTLE USA INC
ANDERSON, IN46013
9.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chesterfield

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Jul 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Madison County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4882
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Apr 1996
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA #1109
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Chesterfield compares by contaminant

Explore where Chesterfield ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,800
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Chesterfield's water comes from

Groundwater

Chesterfield'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 2,800 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Chesterfield

Chesterfield is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Buck Creek
river
White River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Chesterfield

System Name PWSID Population Source
CHESTERFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT IN5248004 2,800 GW
Regional Comparison

How Chesterfield compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Chesterfield's score of 88.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Chesterfield (this city)
88.2
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Chesterfield, IN

Economic Profile
$49,211
Median Income
$82,485
Median Home Value
$914/mo
Median Rent
7.8%
Unemployment
Community
41.7
Median Age
730
People / sq mi
14.2%
College Educated
68.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Chesterfield, IN tap water safe to drink?

Chesterfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Chesterfield's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is Chesterfield'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 Chesterfield?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Chesterfield's water come from?

Chesterfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 residents.

What health violations has Chesterfield's water system had?

Chesterfield has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Chesterfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Chesterfield 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 9 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 Chesterfield's water compare to other cities?

Chesterfield ranks #93 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 78% of state cities) and #3587 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Chesterfield's small water system affect quality?

Chesterfield's system serves approximately 2,800 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 9 violations on record.