Is Dillsboro, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.2/100
waterverge.com Dillsboro, IN — Water Quality Report
Dillsboro's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.4 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dillsboro's water
Dillsboro ranks #114 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Dillsboro purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Dillsboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dillsboro, IN water safe to drink?
Dillsboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dillsboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dillsboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dillsboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dillsboro's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Dearborn County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Dillsboro's water come from?
Dillsboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Dillsboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dillsboro'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Dillsboro'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 Dillsboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dillsboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MATTHEWS AURORA LLC AURORA, IN47001 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dearborn County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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. | 4.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dillsboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Dillsboro ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dillsboro's water comes from
Dillsboro purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Dillsboro's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dillsboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DILLSBORO WATER WORKS | IN5215002 | 2,000 | GWP |
How Dillsboro compares
Full Indiana rankings →Dillsboro's score of 87.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Dillsboro, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dillsboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dearborn
Frequently asked questions
Is Dillsboro, IN tap water safe to drink?
Dillsboro's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Dillsboro's water?
Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Dillsboro'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 Dillsboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dillsboro's water come from?
Dillsboro's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
Is Dillsboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dillsboro 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 5 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 Dillsboro's water compare to other cities?
Dillsboro ranks #114 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 72% of state cities) and #4214 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dillsboro's small water system affect quality?
Dillsboro's system serves approximately 2,000 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 5 violations on record.