WaterVerge

Is Grabill, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5202006
Overall Score
77.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#268 of 414 in Indiana Top 57% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
77.5/100
waterverge.com
B 77.5/100

Grabill, IN — Water Quality Report

Grabill's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,163 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 30 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Grabill's water

Grabill ranks #268 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.

As a small community water system, Grabill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
77.5 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
31.5/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Grabill, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grabill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,163 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

8
Active Violations
0.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grabill

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grabill's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grabill's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Grabill's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRTTOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Allen County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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 Cedar Creek, St. Joseph River, Maumee River, Black Creek.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-652

Where does Grabill's water come from?

Grabill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,163 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cedar Creek (river), St. Joseph River (river), Maumee River (river), Black Creek (river).

What Grabill residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grabill's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Grabill'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 2% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

30
Total violations
2
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

30 Total
8 Active
2 Health-based
22 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
8
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Jan 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Aug 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2004
May 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2004
Feb 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2003
Apr 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2002
Aug 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2001
Dec 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2000
Sep 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2000
Jan 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jun 1989 Resolved
Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation Resolved Jun 1994
Showing 20 of 30 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grabill

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grabill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 393 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
NUCOR VULCRAFT GROUP SAINT JOE DIV
Fabricated Metals · NUCOR CORP
SAINT JOE, IN46785
Zinc compounds2378.8 mi
BF GOODRICH TIRE MANUFACTURING
Plastics and Rubber · MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA INC
WOODBURN, IN46797
Zinc compounds1246.2 mi
SUPERIOR ALUMINUM ALLOYS LLC
Primary Metals · OMNISOURCE LLC
NEW HAVEN, IN46774
Zinc compounds249.0 mi
SDI LAFARGA LLC
Primary Metals · STEEL DYNAMICS INC
NEW HAVEN, IN46774
Copper And Copper Compounds89.4 mi
R3 COMPOSITES CORP
Plastics and Rubber · NA
GRABILL, IN46741
0.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Allen County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1978. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891
Mar 1982
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #652
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #553

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.7 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,163
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Grabill's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Grabill'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 1,163 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grabill

Grabill is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Cedar Creek
river
St. Joseph River
river
Maumee River
river
Black Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grabill

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRABILL WATER WORKS IN5202006 1,163 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Grabill compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Grabill's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Grabill (this city)
77.5
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Grabill, IN

Wikipedia →

Grabill is a town in Cedar Creek Township, Allen County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,112 at the 2020 census. It is known for the presence of antique stores and Amish farms. An incorporated town, Grabill has two community parks within the corporate limits.

Economic Profile
$57,222
Median Income
$145,751
Median Home Value
$756/mo
Median Rent
2.8%
Unemployment
Community
35.3
Median Age
754
People / sq mi
29.2%
College Educated
81.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Grabill, IN tap water safe to drink?

Grabill's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #268 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Grabill's water?

Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.

How is Grabill'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 Grabill?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Grabill's water come from?

Grabill's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,163 residents.

What health violations has Grabill's water system had?

Grabill has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

How does Grabill's water compare to other cities?

Grabill ranks #268 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 35% of state cities) and #8985 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Grabill's small water system affect quality?

Grabill's system serves approximately 1,163 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 30 violations on record.