Is Clarks Hill, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Clarks Hill, IN — Water Quality Report
Clarks Hill's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 660 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 20 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clarks Hill's water
Clarks Hill ranks #226 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clarks Hill 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, Clarks Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clarks Hill, IN water safe to drink?
Clarks Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 660 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clarks Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clarks Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clarks Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clarks Hill's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tippecanoe County has experienced 2 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 Sugar Creek.
Where does Clarks Hill's water come from?
Clarks Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 660 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river).
What Clarks Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clarks Hill'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 Clarks Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clarks Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 79,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FRITO-LAY INC. FRANKFORT, IN46041 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 79,000 | 8.9 mi |
COVESTRO LLC. FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
NTK PRECISION AXLE CORP FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION LLC - FRANKFORT FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
F08 - FRANKFORT OILSEEDS FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tippecanoe County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clarks Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Clarks Hill ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clarks Hill's water comes from
Clarks Hill'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 660 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clarks Hill
Clarks Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clarks Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARKS HILL WATER WORKS | IN5279006 | 660 | GW |
How Clarks Hill compares
Full Indiana rankings →Clarks Hill's score of 80.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Clarks Hill, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clarks Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tippecanoe
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarks Hill, IN tap water safe to drink?
Clarks Hill's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #226 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Clarks Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Clarks Hill'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 Clarks Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clarks Hill's water come from?
Clarks Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 660 residents.
Is Clarks Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clarks Hill 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 20 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 Clarks Hill's water compare to other cities?
Clarks Hill ranks #226 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 45% of state cities) and #7857 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clarks Hill's small water system affect quality?
Clarks Hill's system serves approximately 660 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 20 violations on record.