Is Frankton, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.8/100
waterverge.com Frankton, IN — Water Quality Report
Frankton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.7 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Frankton's water
Frankton ranks #213 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Frankton 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Frankton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Frankton, IN water safe to drink?
Frankton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Frankton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Frankton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Frankton'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.
Violation history
Frankton's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 White River, Pipe Creek, Big Duck Creek, William Lock Ditch.
Where does Frankton's water come from?
Frankton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River (river), Pipe Creek (river), Big Duck Creek (river), William Lock Ditch (stream).
What Frankton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Frankton'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.
Frankton'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 Frankton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Frankton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING ALEXANDRIA LLC ALEXANDRIA, IN46001 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
BEST-EVER DAIRY PRODUCTS ANDERSON, IN46012 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
SIRMAX N.A. INC ANDERSON, IN46016 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
ELSA LLC ELWOOD, IN46036 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Frankton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BROADWAY STREET CORRIDOR GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Frankton'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. | 10.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Frankton compares by contaminant
Explore where Frankton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Frankton's water comes from
Frankton'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 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Frankton
Frankton is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Frankton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKTON WATER WORKS | IN5248008 | 1,800 | GW |
How Frankton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Frankton's score of 81.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Frankton, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Frankton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Frankton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Frankton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #213 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Frankton's water?
Lead was measured at 10.7 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Frankton'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 Frankton?
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 Frankton's water come from?
Frankton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has Frankton's water system had?
Frankton has 1 health-based violation 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Frankton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Frankton 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 29 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 Frankton's water compare to other cities?
Frankton ranks #213 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 49% of state cities) and #7309 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Frankton's small water system affect quality?
Frankton's system serves approximately 1,800 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 29 violations on record.