WaterVerge

Is Kentland, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5256005
Overall Score
88.1 / 100
Violations
4 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#94 of 414 in Indiana Top 23% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.1/100

Kentland, IN — Water Quality Report

Kentland's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Kentland's water

Kentland ranks #94 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Kentland 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, Kentland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.1/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Kentland, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Kentland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,735 residents using groundwater (wells).

4
Active Violations
1.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Kentland

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kentland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Kentland's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Kentland's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRRPT
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2024 Radium-226 Resolved
Oct 2024 Radium-228 Resolved
Oct 2024 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Newton County has experienced 3 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 Iroquois River.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4363
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Kentland's water come from?

Kentland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Iroquois River (river).

What Kentland residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kentland's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Kentland'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

24
Total violations
0
Health-based
4
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

24 Total
4 Active
0 Health-based
20 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Oct 2024 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2015 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Showing 20 of 24 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
May 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Newton County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4363
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 0.9 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,735
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Kentland's water comes from

Groundwater

Kentland'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 1,735 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Kentland

Kentland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Iroquois River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Kentland

System Name PWSID Population Source
KENTLAND WATER WORKS IN5256005 1,735 GW
Regional Comparison

How Kentland compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Kentland's score of 88.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Kentland (this city)
88.1
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Kentland, IN

Economic Profile
$55,329
Median Income
$94,090
Median Home Value
$768/mo
Median Rent
20%
Unemployment
Community
39.2
Median Age
518
People / sq mi
18.8%
College Educated
72.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Kentland, IN tap water safe to drink?

Kentland's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Kentland's water?

Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.

How is Kentland'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 Kentland?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Kentland's water come from?

Kentland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,735 residents.

Is Kentland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Kentland 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 24 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 Kentland's water compare to other cities?

Kentland ranks #94 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 77% of state cities) and #3643 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Kentland's small water system affect quality?

Kentland's system serves approximately 1,735 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 24 violations on record.