Is Dale, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Dale, IN — Water Quality Report
Dale's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,637 residents using purchased surface water.
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 35 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dale's water
Dale ranks #154 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Dale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dale, IN water safe to drink?
Dale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,637 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dale's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Dale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dale's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Spencer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Dale's water come from?
Dale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,637 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Dale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dale'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.
Dale'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 Dale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MBCI-FERDINAND OPERATION FERDINAND, IN47532 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
HOLLAND DAIRY HOLLAND, IN47541 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
FARBEST FOODS INC HUNTINGBURG, IN47542 | — | — | 1.6 mi |
STEINKAMP WAREHOUSE INC (DBA SOUTHERN INDIANA TREATING) HUNTINGBURG, IN47542 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSpencer County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Spencer County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Dale compares by contaminant
Explore where Dale ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dale's water comes from
Dale's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,637 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALE WATER WORKS | IN5274002 | 1,637 | SWP |
How Dale compares
Full Indiana rankings →Dale's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Dale, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Spencer
Frequently asked questions
Is Dale, IN tap water safe to drink?
Dale's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #154 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Dale's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Dale'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 Dale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dale's water come from?
Dale's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,637 residents.
What health violations has Dale's water system had?
Dale has 2 health-based violations 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dale's water compare to other cities?
Dale ranks #154 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 63% of state cities) and #5513 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dale's small water system affect quality?
Dale's system serves approximately 1,637 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 35 violations on record.