Is Howe, 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 ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Howe, IN — Water Quality Report
Howe's drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 713 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 136 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Howe's water
Howe ranks #277 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Howe 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, Howe 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Howe, IN water safe to drink?
Howe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 713 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Howe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Howe's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Howe'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
Howe's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
LaGrange County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Sylvan Lake, Waldron Lake.
Where does Howe's water come from?
Howe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 713 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sylvan Lake (lake), Waldron Lake (lake).
What Howe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Howe'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 Howe
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Howe, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUBBARD FEEDS INC SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
LAKEPARK INDUSTRIES OF INDIANA INC SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
RPM INDUSTRIAL COATINGS GROUP INC. DBA FINISHWORKS SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
LIPPERT COMPONENTS INC PLANT 46 HOWE, IN46746 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
MORGAN OLSON LLC STURGIS, MI49091 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Howe
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- STURGIS MUNICIPAL WELLS5.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
LaGrange County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Howe'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.78 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.785 mg/L (2012)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Howe compares by contaminant
Explore where Howe ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Howe's water comes from
Howe'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 713 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Howe
Howe is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Howe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAWN RIVER CROSSING | IN5244001 | 653 | GW |
| NEIGHBORS OF PIONEER CROSSINGS, LLC | IN5244011 | 60 | GW |
How Howe compares
Full Indiana rankings →Howe's score of 76.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Howe, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Howe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lagrange
Frequently asked questions
Is Howe, IN tap water safe to drink?
Howe's water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #277 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Howe's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is Howe'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 Howe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Howe's water come from?
Howe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 713 residents.
What health violations has Howe's water system had?
Howe has 5 health-based violations 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Howe's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Howe 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 136 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 Howe's water compare to other cities?
Howe ranks #277 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 33% of state cities) and #9194 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.