Is Colfax, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Colfax, IN — Water Quality Report
Colfax's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 16 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colfax's water
Colfax ranks #50 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Colfax 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, Colfax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colfax, IN water safe to drink?
Colfax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 690 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colfax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colfax's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1109). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colfax's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colfax's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 3 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 Prairie Creek, Sugar Creek.
Where does Colfax's water come from?
Colfax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 690 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prairie Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What Colfax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colfax'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.
Colfax'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 Colfax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Colfax, 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 | 8.2 mi |
COVESTRO LLC. FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
NTK PRECISION AXLE CORP FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION LLC - FRANKFORT FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
F08 - FRANKFORT OILSEEDS FRANKFORT, IN46041 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clinton County has experienced 3 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colfax compares by contaminant
Explore where Colfax ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colfax's water comes from
Colfax'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 690 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colfax
Colfax is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colfax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLFAX WATER COMPANY | IN5212001 | 690 | GW |
How Colfax compares
Full Indiana rankings →Colfax's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Colfax, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colfax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is Colfax, IN tap water safe to drink?
Colfax's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Colfax's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Colfax'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 Colfax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colfax's water come from?
Colfax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 690 residents.
What health violations has Colfax's water system had?
Colfax has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colfax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colfax 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 16 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 Colfax's water compare to other cities?
Colfax ranks #50 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 88% of state cities) and #2316 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colfax's small water system affect quality?
Colfax's system serves approximately 690 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 16 violations on record.