Is Clay City, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Clay City, IN — Water Quality Report
Clay City's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,152 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 27 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clay City's water
Clay City ranks #311 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Clay City 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, Clay City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clay City, IN water safe to drink?
Clay City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,152 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clay City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clay City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Clay City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clay City's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1959. 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 Eel River.
Where does Clay City's water come from?
Clay City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,152 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eel River (river).
What Clay City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clay City'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.
Clay City'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 Clay City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clay City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRICKCRAFT INC CENTER POINT, IN47840 | Manganese compounds | 21 | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clay County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1959. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clay City compares by contaminant
Explore where Clay City ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clay City's water comes from
Clay City'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 1,152 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clay City
Clay City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clay City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAY CITY WATER WORKS | IN5211004 | 1,152 | GW |
How Clay City compares
Full Indiana rankings →Clay City's score of 73.5/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Clay City, IN
Wikipedia →Clay City is a town in Harrison Township, Clay County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Clay City had a population of 878. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clay City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clay
Frequently asked questions
Is Clay City, IN tap water safe to drink?
Clay City's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #311 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Clay City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Clay City'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 Clay City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clay City's water come from?
Clay City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,152 residents.
What health violations has Clay City's water system had?
Clay City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clay City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clay City 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 27 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 Clay City's water compare to other cities?
Clay City ranks #311 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 25% of state cities) and #10076 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clay City's small water system affect quality?
Clay City's system serves approximately 1,152 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 27 violations on record.