Is Jonesboro, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com Jonesboro, IN — Water Quality Report
Jonesboro's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,034 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 33 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jonesboro's water
Jonesboro ranks #317 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Jonesboro 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Jonesboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jonesboro, IN water safe to drink?
Jonesboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,034 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jonesboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jonesboro's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Jonesboro's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Jonesboro's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant 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 Mississinewa River.
Where does Jonesboro's water come from?
Jonesboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,034 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mississinewa River (river).
What Jonesboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jonesboro'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.
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 Jonesboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jonesboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAHR BROTHERS MANUFACTURING MARION, IN46952 | Manganese | 15 | 4.2 mi |
AMERICAN WOODMARK CORP GAS CITY, IN46933 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
CENTRAL INDIANA ETHANOL LLC MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
ATLAS FOUNDRY CO INC MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
WILEY METAL FABRICATING INC. MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Jonesboro
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.
- MARION BRAGG DUMP4.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Grant 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 Jonesboro'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Jonesboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Jonesboro ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jonesboro's water comes from
Jonesboro'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 2,034 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jonesboro
Jonesboro is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jonesboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JONESBORO WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5227010 | 2,034 | GW |
How Jonesboro compares
Full Indiana rankings →Jonesboro's score of 72.5/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Jonesboro, IN
Wikipedia →Jonesboro is a city in Grant County, Indiana, United States, located along the Mississinewa River opposite Gas City. The population was 1,516 at the 2020 census. According to the 2010 census, Jonesboro had the third smallest population of a city in Indiana.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jonesboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Jonesboro, IN tap water safe to drink?
Jonesboro's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #317 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Jonesboro's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Jonesboro'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 Jonesboro?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jonesboro's water come from?
Jonesboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,034 residents.
What health violations has Jonesboro's water system had?
Jonesboro has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jonesboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jonesboro 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 33 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 Jonesboro's water compare to other cities?
Jonesboro ranks #317 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 23% of state cities) and #10307 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jonesboro's small water system affect quality?
Jonesboro's system serves approximately 2,034 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 33 violations on record.