Is Hamilton, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Hamilton, IN — Water Quality Report
Hamilton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,675 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 7 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hamilton's water
Hamilton ranks #217 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hamilton 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, Hamilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hamilton, IN water safe to drink?
Hamilton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,675 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hamilton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hamilton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Hamilton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hamilton's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Steuben County has experienced 2 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 Hamilton Lake, Fish Creek, St Joseph River Near Newville.
Where does Hamilton's water come from?
Hamilton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,675 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hamilton Lake (lake), Fish Creek (river), St Joseph River Near Newville (river).
What Hamilton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hamilton'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 Hamilton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hamilton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THE PULLMAN CO (AFFILIATED WITH TENNECO INC) ANGOLA, IN46703 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
UNIVERTICAL LLC ANGOLA, IN46703 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
BARIL COATINGS USA LLC ANGOLA, IN46703 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
AUTOFORM TOOL & MANUFACTURING ANGOLA, IN46703 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP CYLINDER DIV ASHLEY IN ASHLEY, IN46705 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Steuben County has experienced 2 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 Hamilton'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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.390 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hamilton compares by contaminant
Explore where Hamilton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hamilton's water comes from
Hamilton'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 2,675 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hamilton
Hamilton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hamilton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAMILTON WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5276023 | 2,675 | GW |
How Hamilton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Hamilton's score of 81.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Hamilton, IN
Wikipedia →Hamilton is a town located on the border of Steuben County, Indiana and DeKalb County, Indiana. In Steuben County, it is in Otsego Township, and in DeKalb County it is in Franklin Township. The population was 1,529 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hamilton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Steuben
Frequently asked questions
Is Hamilton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Hamilton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #217 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Hamilton's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Hamilton'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 Hamilton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hamilton's water come from?
Hamilton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,675 residents.
What health violations has Hamilton's water system had?
Hamilton 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hamilton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hamilton 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 7 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 Hamilton's water compare to other cities?
Hamilton ranks #217 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 48% of state cities) and #7394 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hamilton's small water system affect quality?
Hamilton's system serves approximately 2,675 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 7 violations on record.