Is Culver, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.9/100
waterverge.com Culver, IN — Water Quality Report
Culver's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,331 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 84 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Culver's water
Culver ranks #157 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Culver 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Culver, IN water safe to drink?
Culver's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,331 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Culver
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Culver's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Culver's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Culver's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Lake Maxinkuckee, Tippecanoe River, Yellow River.
Where does Culver's water come from?
Culver's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,331 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lake Maxinkuckee (lake), Tippecanoe River (river), Yellow River (river).
What Culver residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Culver'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.
Culver'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 Culver
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Culver, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CABINETWORKS GROUP CULVER, IN46511 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Marshall County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Culver's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.97 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Culver compares by contaminant
Explore where Culver ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Culver's water comes from
Culver'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,331 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Culver
Culver is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Culver
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CULVER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | IN5250004 | 1,940 | GW |
| CULVER WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5250005 | 1,391 | GW |
How Culver compares
Full Indiana rankings →Culver's score of 84.9/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Culver, IN
Wikipedia →Culver is a town in Marshall County, Indiana, United States. Culver is part of Union Township, which also includes the communities of Burr Oak, Hibbard, Maxinkuckee and Rutland. The population of Culver was 1,129 at the 2020 United States census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Culver's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Culver, IN tap water safe to drink?
Culver's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #157 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Culver's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is Culver'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 Culver?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Culver's water come from?
Culver's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,331 residents.
What health violations has Culver's water system had?
Culver has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Culver's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Culver 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 84 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 Culver's water compare to other cities?
Culver ranks #157 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 62% of state cities) and #5613 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.