Is Harlan, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Harlan, IN — Water Quality Report
Harlan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,634 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 21 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harlan's water
Harlan ranks #192 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Harlan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harlan, IN water safe to drink?
Harlan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,634 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Harlan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harlan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Harlan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harlan's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Maumee River, Black Creek.
Where does Harlan's water come from?
Harlan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,634 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Maumee River (river), Black Creek (river).
What Harlan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harlan'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.
Harlan'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 Harlan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harlan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 393 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR VULCRAFT GROUP SAINT JOE DIV SAINT JOE, IN46785 | Zinc compounds | 237 | 8.4 mi |
BF GOODRICH TIRE MANUFACTURING WOODBURN, IN46797 | Zinc compounds | 124 | 4.4 mi |
SUPERIOR ALUMINUM ALLOYS LLC NEW HAVEN, IN46774 | Zinc compounds | 24 | 8.4 mi |
SDI LAFARGA LLC NEW HAVEN, IN46774 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 8 | 8.8 mi |
R3 COMPOSITES CORP GRABILL, IN46741 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 4.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harlan compares by contaminant
Explore where Harlan ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harlan's water comes from
Harlan'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 1,634 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Harlan
Harlan is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Harlan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAYSVILLE REGION. WATER & SEWER DISTRICT | IN5202037 | 1,634 | SWP |
How Harlan compares
Full Indiana rankings →Harlan's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Harlan, IN
Wikipedia →Harlan is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Springfield Township, Allen County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2010 census, Harlan had a population of 1,634.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harlan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allen
Frequently asked questions
Is Harlan, IN tap water safe to drink?
Harlan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #192 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Harlan's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Harlan'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 Harlan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harlan's water come from?
Harlan's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,634 residents.
What health violations has Harlan's water system had?
Harlan has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Harlan's water compare to other cities?
Harlan ranks #192 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 54% of state cities) and #6495 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Harlan's small water system affect quality?
Harlan's system serves approximately 1,634 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 21 violations on record.