Is Fountain City, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.4/100
waterverge.com Fountain City, IN — Water Quality Report
Fountain City's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 770 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 59 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fountain City's water
Fountain City ranks #375 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fountain City relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Fountain City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 35 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fountain City, IN water safe to drink?
Fountain City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 770 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fountain City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fountain City's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Fountain City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fountain City's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Fountain City's water come from?
Fountain City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 770 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fountain City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fountain City'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.
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 Fountain City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fountain City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELDEN RICHMOND, IN47374 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 7.4 mi |
BELDEN CDT INC-BEC RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
HOLLAND COLOURS AMERICAS INC RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
SILGAN WHITE CAP CORP RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
JOHNS MANVILLE RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wayne County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fountain City compares by contaminant
Explore where Fountain City ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fountain City's water comes from
Fountain City's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 770 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Fountain City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUNTAIN CITY WATER WORKS | IN5289006 | 735 | GW |
| COUNTRY RETREAT MHC, LLC | IN5289001 | 35 | GW |
How Fountain City compares
Full Indiana rankings →Fountain City's score of 53.4/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Fountain City, IN
Wikipedia →Milton is a town in Washington Township, Wayne County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 455 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fountain City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wayne
Frequently asked questions
Is Fountain City, IN tap water safe to drink?
Fountain City's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #375 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Fountain City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Fountain City'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 Fountain City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fountain City's water come from?
Fountain City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 770 residents.
What health violations has Fountain City's water system had?
Fountain City has 6 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fountain City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fountain City 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 59 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 Fountain City's water compare to other cities?
Fountain City ranks #375 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 9% of state cities) and #12684 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.