Is Freelandville, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.2/100
Freelandville, IN — Water Quality Report
Freelandville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 126 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Freelandville's water
Freelandville ranks #335 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Freelandville 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, Freelandville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Freelandville, IN water safe to drink?
Freelandville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,175 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Freelandville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freelandville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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 Freelandville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Freelandville's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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 Busseron Creek, White River.
Where does Freelandville's water come from?
Freelandville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,175 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Busseron Creek (river), White River (river).
What Freelandville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Freelandville'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.
Freelandville'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 Freelandville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Freelandville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,746 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA INC. - EDWARDSPORT IGCC EDWARDSPORT, IN47528 | Ammonia | 1,689 | 5.7 mi |
SCEPTER INC BICKNELL, IN47512 | Ammonia | 55 | 6.5 mi |
BEAR RUN MINE CARLISLE, IN47838 | Lead compounds | 2 | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Knox 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Freelandville compares by contaminant
Explore where Freelandville ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Freelandville's water comes from
Freelandville'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,175 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Freelandville
Freelandville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Freelandville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREELANDVILLE WATER ASSOCIATION | IN5242006 | 1,175 | GW |
How Freelandville compares
Full Indiana rankings →Freelandville's score of 69.2/100 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 Freelandville, IN
Wikipedia →Freelandville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Widner Township, Knox County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 United States census it had a population of 643.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Freelandville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Freelandville, IN tap water safe to drink?
Freelandville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #335 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Freelandville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Freelandville'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 Freelandville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Freelandville's water come from?
Freelandville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,175 residents.
What health violations has Freelandville's water system had?
Freelandville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Freelandville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Freelandville 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 126 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 Freelandville's water compare to other cities?
Freelandville ranks #335 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 19% of state cities) and #10966 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Freelandville's small water system affect quality?
Freelandville's system serves approximately 1,175 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 126 violations on record.