WaterVerge

Is Kingman, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

560 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5223004
Overall Score
61.7 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#359 of 414 in Indiana Top 76% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
61.7/100
waterverge.com
C 61.7/100

Kingman, IN — Water Quality Report

Kingman's drinking water received a grade of C (61.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 79 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Kingman's water

Kingman ranks #359 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

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

The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
61.7 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
17.7/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
14/20
C
Lead at 5.0 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 Kingman, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Kingman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 560 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Kingman

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kingman's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.7/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Kingman's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.41 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Kingman's water system has 79 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRTTMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Aug 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Resolved
Aug 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Aug 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2022 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Fountain 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.

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

Where does Kingman's water come from?

Kingman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Kingman residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Flush your taps

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.41 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

79
Total violations
39
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Aug 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

79 Total
6 Active
39 Health-based
73 Resolved
Violations by category
Arsenic Rule
32
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
14
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Aug 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Aug 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2024 Resolved
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2024
Jul 2022 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2022
Apr 2022 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2022
Jan 2022 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2022
Oct 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2021
Jul 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2021
Apr 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2021
Jul 2019 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2019
Jul 2012 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2012
Jan 2012 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2012
Oct 2011 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2011
Sep 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2011
Jul 2011 Resolved
Arsenic
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2011
Showing 20 of 79 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kingman

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kingman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 33,462 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DUKE ENERGY INDIANA INC. CAYUGA GENERATING STATION
Electric Utilities · DUKE ENERGY CORP
CAYUGA, IN47928
Manganese And Manganese Compounds33,4619.3 mi
INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO
Paper · INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO
CAYUGA, IN47928
Mercury compounds18.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Fountain 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.

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

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Kingman's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.41 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.0 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2025 (5.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.410 mg/L (2022)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
560
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Kingman's water comes from

Groundwater

Kingman'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 560 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Kingman

System Name PWSID Population Source
KINGMAN WATER WORKS IN5223004 560 GW
Regional Comparison

How Kingman compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Kingman's score of 61.7/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Kingman (this city)
61.7
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Kingman, IN

Wikipedia →

Kingman is a town in Millcreek Township, Fountain County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Kingman had a population of 559.

Economic Profile
$26,667
Median Income
$92,235
Median Home Value
$713/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
47.8
Median Age
327
People / sq mi
9.8%
College Educated
43.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Kingman, IN tap water safe to drink?

Kingman's water quality earned a grade of C (61.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #359 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Kingman's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 79 violations are on record.

How is Kingman'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 Kingman?

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

Where does Kingman's water come from?

Kingman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 560 residents.

What health violations has Kingman's water system had?

Kingman has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Kingman's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Kingman 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 79 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 Kingman's water compare to other cities?

Kingman ranks #359 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 13% of state cities) and #11968 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Kingman's small water system affect quality?

Kingman's system serves approximately 560 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 79 violations on record.