Is Chrisney, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Chrisney, IN — Water Quality Report
Chrisney's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 48 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chrisney's water
Chrisney ranks #74 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Chrisney may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chrisney, IN water safe to drink?
Chrisney's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chrisney
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chrisney's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Chrisney's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chrisney's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Spencer County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Chrisney's water come from?
Chrisney's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 823 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Chrisney residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chrisney'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.
Chrisney'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 Chrisney
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chrisney, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,143,866 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL CORP (ROCKPORT WORKS ) ROCKPORT, IN47635 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 8,138,806 | 3.9 mi |
ROCKPORT PLANT ROCKPORT, IN47635 | Ammonia | 5,060 | 5.1 mi |
CORN ISLAND SHIPYARD INC. GRANDVIEW, IN47615 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
PVS TECHNOLOGIES INC GRANDVIEW, IN47615 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Chrisney
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.
- GREEN RIVER DISPOSAL INC8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSpencer 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
Spencer County has experienced 5 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chrisney compares by contaminant
Explore where Chrisney ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chrisney's water comes from
Chrisney's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 823 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chrisney
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISNEY WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5274001 | 823 | SWP |
How Chrisney compares
Full Indiana rankings →Chrisney's score of 89/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Chrisney, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chrisney's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Spencer
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrisney, IN tap water safe to drink?
Chrisney's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Chrisney's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Chrisney'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 Chrisney?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chrisney's water come from?
Chrisney's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 823 residents.
What health violations has Chrisney's water system had?
Chrisney has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chrisney's water compare to other cities?
Chrisney ranks #74 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 82% of state cities) and #3132 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chrisney's small water system affect quality?
Chrisney's system serves approximately 823 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 48 violations on record.