Is Ferdinand, 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 ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Ferdinand, IN — Water Quality Report
Ferdinand's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,211 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 50 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ferdinand's water
Ferdinand ranks #262 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ferdinand, IN water safe to drink?
Ferdinand's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,211 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ferdinand
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ferdinand's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Ferdinand's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ferdinand's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dubois County has experienced 3 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 Middle Fork Anderson River.
Where does Ferdinand's water come from?
Ferdinand's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,211 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Middle Fork Anderson River (river).
What Ferdinand residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ferdinand'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.
Ferdinand'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 Ferdinand
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ferdinand, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MBCI-FERDINAND OPERATION FERDINAND, IN47532 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
HOLLAND DAIRY HOLLAND, IN47541 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
FARBEST FOODS INC HUNTINGBURG, IN47542 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
STEINKAMP WAREHOUSE INC (DBA SOUTHERN INDIANA TREATING) HUNTINGBURG, IN47542 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Dubois County has experienced 3 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 Ferdinand'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. | 5.3 | 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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.510 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Ferdinand compares by contaminant
Explore where Ferdinand ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ferdinand's water comes from
Ferdinand'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 6,211 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ferdinand
Ferdinand 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 Ferdinand
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST. HENRY WATER CORPORATION | IN5219011 | 3,293 | SWP |
| FERDINAND WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5219004 | 2,918 | SWP |
How Ferdinand compares
Full Indiana rankings →Ferdinand's score of 77.9/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Ferdinand, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ferdinand's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dubois
Frequently asked questions
Is Ferdinand, IN tap water safe to drink?
Ferdinand's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #262 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Ferdinand's water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Ferdinand'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 Ferdinand?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ferdinand's water come from?
Ferdinand's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,211 residents.
What health violations has Ferdinand's water system had?
Ferdinand has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ferdinand's water compare to other cities?
Ferdinand ranks #262 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 37% of state cities) and #8841 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.