Is English, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.1/100
English, IN — Water Quality Report
English's drinking water received a grade of B (76.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 886 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about English's water
English ranks #283 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average 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, English may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is English, IN water safe to drink?
English's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 886 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for English
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into English's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for English's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
English's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford 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. Local water sources include Whiskey Run.
Where does English's water come from?
English's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 886 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Whiskey Run (river).
What English residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in English'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.
English'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCrawford 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
Crawford 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how English compares by contaminant
Explore where English ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where English's water comes from
English'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 886 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near English
English is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving English
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH WATER WORKS | IN5213002 | 886 | SWP |
How English compares
Full Indiana rankings →English's score of 76.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About English, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to English's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is English, IN tap water safe to drink?
English's water quality earned a grade of B (76.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #283 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in English's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is English'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 English?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does English's water come from?
English's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 886 residents.
How does English's water compare to other cities?
English ranks #283 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 32% of state cities) and #9400 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does English's small water system affect quality?
English's system serves approximately 886 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 24 violations on record.