Is Indianola, NE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Indianola, NE — Water Quality Report
Indianola's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 939 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 35 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Indianola's water
Indianola ranks #90 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Indianola purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Indianola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Indianola, NE water safe to drink?
Indianola's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 939 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Indianola
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Indianola's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3245). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Indianola's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Indianola's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Red Willow 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 Red Willow Creek Near Red Willow, Nebr..
Where does Indianola's water come from?
Indianola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 939 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Red Willow Creek Near Red Willow, Nebr. (river).
What Indianola residents can do
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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRed Willow 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
Red Willow 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.
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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Indianola compares by contaminant
Explore where Indianola ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Indianola's water comes from
Indianola purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Indianola's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 939 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Indianola
Indianola is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Indianola
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIANOLA, CITY OF | NE3114506 | 584 | GWP |
| BIC JOINT WATER AGENCY | NE3121227 | 355 | GW |
How Indianola compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Indianola's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Indianola, NE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Indianola's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Red Willow
Frequently asked questions
Is Indianola, NE tap water safe to drink?
Indianola's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #90 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Indianola's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Indianola'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 Indianola?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Indianola's water come from?
Indianola's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 939 residents.
What health violations has Indianola's water system had?
Indianola has 30 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Indianola's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Indianola 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 35 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 Indianola's water compare to other cities?
Indianola ranks #90 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 55% of state cities) and #3315 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.