Is Dugger, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.1/100
waterverge.com Dugger, IN — Water Quality Report
Dugger's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,935 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dugger's water
Dugger ranks #327 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Dugger purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Dugger may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dugger, IN water safe to drink?
Dugger's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,935 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dugger
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dugger's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Dugger's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Dugger's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Bee Hunter Ditch.
Where does Dugger's water come from?
Dugger's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,935 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bee Hunter Ditch (river).
What Dugger residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dugger'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.
Dugger'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 Dugger
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dugger, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,232 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MEROM GENERATING STATION SULLIVAN, IN47882 | Ammonia | 2,230 | 9.5 mi |
BEAR RUN MINE CARLISLE, IN47838 | Lead compounds | 2 | 5.3 mi |
RAYBESTOS POWERTRAIN LLC SULLIVAN, IN47882 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
RAYBESTOS POWERTRAIN LLC SULLIVAN, IN47882 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sullivan County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Dugger'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dugger compares by contaminant
Explore where Dugger ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dugger's water comes from
Dugger 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 Dugger'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 1,935 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dugger
Dugger is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dugger
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUGGER UTILITIES | IN5277002 | 1,935 | GWP |
How Dugger compares
Full Indiana rankings →Dugger's score of 71.1/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Dugger, IN
Wikipedia →Dugger is a town in Cass Township, Sullivan County, Indiana, United States. The population was 797 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dugger's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Dugger, IN tap water safe to drink?
Dugger's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #327 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Dugger's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Dugger'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 Dugger?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dugger's water come from?
Dugger's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,935 residents.
What health violations has Dugger's water system had?
Dugger has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dugger's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dugger 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 15 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 Dugger's water compare to other cities?
Dugger ranks #327 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 21% of state cities) and #10618 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dugger's small water system affect quality?
Dugger's system serves approximately 1,935 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 15 violations on record.