Is Churubusco, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 32 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Churubusco, IN — Water Quality Report
Churubusco's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,227 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 181 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Churubusco's water
Churubusco ranks #342 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Churubusco 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, Churubusco may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Churubusco, IN water safe to drink?
Churubusco's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,227 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Churubusco
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Churubusco's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
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 Churubusco's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Churubusco's water system has 181 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whitley County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Churubusco's water come from?
Churubusco's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,227 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Churubusco residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Churubusco'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.
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 Churubusco
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Churubusco, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,401 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STEEL DYNAMICS INC STRUCTURAL & RAIL DIV COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | Manganese compounds | 1,401 | 7.6 mi |
C & A TOOL ENGINEERING INC CHURUBUSCO, IN46723 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
CHROMASOURCE INC COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
COLUMBIA CITY MILL SERVICES COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
ADVANCED MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT LLC COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Churubusco
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.
- WAYNE WASTE OIL9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Whitley County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Churubusco compares by contaminant
Explore where Churubusco ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Churubusco's water comes from
Churubusco'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 2,227 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Churubusco
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHURUBUSCO WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5292003 | 1,803 | GW |
| BLUE RIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5292002 | 300 | GW |
| MAGNOLIA PLACE SOUTH | IN5292010 | 70 | GW |
| MAGNOLIA PLACE EAST | IN5292009 | 54 | GW |
How Churubusco compares
Full Indiana rankings →Churubusco's score of 68.1/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Churubusco, IN
Wikipedia →Churubusco ; often shortened to Busco, is a town located near the headwaters of the Eel River in the extreme northeast corner of Whitley County, Indiana, United States, in Smith Township, about 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Fort Wayne. As of the 2020 census, Churubusco had a population of 1,870.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Churubusco's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whitley
Frequently asked questions
Is Churubusco, IN tap water safe to drink?
Churubusco's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #342 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Churubusco's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 181 violations are on record.
How is Churubusco'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 Churubusco?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Churubusco's water come from?
Churubusco's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,227 residents.
What health violations has Churubusco's water system had?
Churubusco has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Churubusco's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Churubusco 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 181 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 Churubusco's water compare to other cities?
Churubusco ranks #342 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 17% of state cities) and #11125 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.