Is Chesterton, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92/100
waterverge.com Chesterton, IN — Water Quality Report
Chesterton's drinking water received a grade of A (92 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 37 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chesterton's water
Chesterton ranks #27 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Chesterton 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, Chesterton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chesterton, IN water safe to drink?
Chesterton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chesterton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chesterton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Chesterton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chesterton's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Deep River, Turkey Creek, Little Calumet River, Hart Ditch, Little Calumet R.
Where does Chesterton's water come from?
Chesterton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deep River (river), Turkey Creek (river), Little Calumet River (river), Hart Ditch (stream), Little Calumet R (river).
What Chesterton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chesterton'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.
Chesterton'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 Chesterton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chesterton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28,990 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS BURNS HARBOR LLC BURNS HARBOR, IN46304 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 21,531 | 5.7 mi |
US STEEL CORP MIDWEST PLANT PORTAGE, IN46368 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 7,452 | 5.9 mi |
NLMK INDIANA PORTAGE, IN46368 | Copper | 7 | 5.2 mi |
PVS TECHNOLOGIES INC. BURNS HARBOR, IN46304 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
NATL PARK SERVICE INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK INDU CHESTERTON, IN46304 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chesterton
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.
- CAM OR INC8.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Lake County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chesterton compares by contaminant
Explore where Chesterton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chesterton's water comes from
Chesterton'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 private ownership and serves approximately 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chesterton
Chesterton is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chesterton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREST OAKS MHC, LLC | IN5264003 | 500 | GW |
How Chesterton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Chesterton's score of 92/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Chesterton, IN
Wikipedia →Crown Point is a city in and the county seat of Lake County, Indiana, United States. The population was 34,884 per the 2023 American Community Survey. The city was incorporated in 1868. On October 31, 1834, Solon Robinson and his family became the first settlers to an area that later became Crown Point. Due to its location, Crown Point is known as the "Hub of Lake County".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chesterton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Porter
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesterton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Chesterton's water quality earned a grade of A (92/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Chesterton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Chesterton'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 Chesterton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chesterton's water come from?
Chesterton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
Is Chesterton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chesterton 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 37 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 Chesterton's water compare to other cities?
Chesterton ranks #27 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 93% of state cities) and #1436 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chesterton's small water system affect quality?
Chesterton's system serves approximately 500 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 37 violations on record.