Is Gaston, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Gaston ranks. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Gaston, IN — Water Quality Report
Gaston's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 838 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Gaston's water
Gaston ranks #210 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gaston 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, Gaston 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 Gaston, IN water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Gaston's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 838 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gaston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gaston's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Gaston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gaston's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 35 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delaware County has experienced 3 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, Buck Creek.
Where does Gaston's water come from?
Gaston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 838 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), Buck Creek (river).
What Gaston residents can do
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.
Gaston'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 Gaston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gaston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POET BIOREFINING ALEXANDRIA LLC ALEXANDRIA, IN46001 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
MPLX TERMINALS LLC - MUNCIE IN TERMINAL MUNCIE, IN47303 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
OX PAPERBOARD EATON LLC. EATON, IN47338 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
MURSIX CORP YORKTOWN, IN47396 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Delaware County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gaston compares by contaminant
Explore where Gaston ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gaston's water comes from
Gaston'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 838 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gaston
Gaston is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gaston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GASTON WATER WORKS | IN5218008 | 838 | GW |
How Gaston compares
Full Indiana rankings →Gaston's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Gaston, IN
Wikipedia →Gaston is a town in Washington Township, Delaware County, Indiana, United States. The population was 796 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Muncie Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gaston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delaware
Frequently asked questions
Is Gaston, IN tap water safe to drink?
Gaston's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #210 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Gaston's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Gaston'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 Gaston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gaston's water come from?
Gaston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 838 residents.
Is Gaston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gaston 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 38 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 Gaston's water compare to other cities?
Gaston ranks #210 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 49% of state cities) and #7060 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gaston's small water system affect quality?
Gaston's system serves approximately 838 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 38 violations on record.