Is Indian Lake Estates, FL 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 ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Indian Lake Estates, FL — Water Quality Report
Indian Lake Estates's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 25 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Indian Lake Estates's water
Indian Lake Estates ranks #114 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Indian Lake Estates 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, Indian Lake Estates may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Indian Lake Estates, FL water safe to drink?
Indian Lake Estates's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 678 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Indian Lake Estates
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Indian Lake Estates's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Indian Lake Estates'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
Indian Lake Estates's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 Tiger Creek, Lake Weohyakapka, Lake Rosalie, Livingston Creek.
Where does Indian Lake Estates's water come from?
Indian Lake Estates's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 678 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tiger Creek (river), Lake Weohyakapka (lake), Lake Rosalie (lake), Livingston Creek (river).
What Indian Lake Estates residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Indian Lake Estates'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.
Indian Lake Estates'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtPolk County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Polk County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Indian Lake Estates'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.390 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Indian Lake Estates compares by contaminant
Explore where Indian Lake Estates ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Indian Lake Estates's water comes from
Indian Lake Estates'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 private ownership and serves approximately 678 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Indian Lake Estates
Indian Lake Estates is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Indian Lake Estates
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILE UTILITIES | FL3530854 | 678 | GW |
How Indian Lake Estates compares
Full Florida rankings →Indian Lake Estates's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Indian Lake Estates, FL
Wikipedia →Indian Lake Estates is an unincorporated community in Polk County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, Indian Lake Estates had a population of 926. Indian Lake Estates is located on the eastern shore of Lake Weohyakapka, 14 miles (23 km) east-southeast of Lake Wales.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Indian Lake Estates's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian Lake Estates, FL tap water safe to drink?
Indian Lake Estates's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Indian Lake Estates's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Indian Lake Estates'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 Indian Lake Estates?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Indian Lake Estates's water come from?
Indian Lake Estates's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 678 residents.
What health violations has Indian Lake Estates's water system had?
Indian Lake Estates has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Indian Lake Estates's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Indian Lake Estates 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 25 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 Indian Lake Estates's water compare to other cities?
Indian Lake Estates ranks #114 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 71% of state cities) and #6353 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Indian Lake Estates's small water system affect quality?
Indian Lake Estates's system serves approximately 678 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 25 violations on record.