WaterVerge

Is Kingsford Heights, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 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: IN5246014
Overall Score
88.7 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#81 of 414 in Indiana Top 21% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.7/100

Kingsford Heights, IN — Water Quality Report

Kingsford Heights's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Kingsford Heights's water

Kingsford Heights ranks #81 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Kingsford Heights, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Kingsford Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Kingsford Heights

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kingsford Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

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 Kingsford Heights's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Kingsford Heights's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2019 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Nov 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

LaPorte County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 Kankakee 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 Kingsford Heights's water come from?

Kingsford Heights's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kankakee River (river).

What Kingsford Heights residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Kingsford Heights'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
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
1
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jan 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
5 Active
1 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2025 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Nov 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2012
Feb 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 2004
Dec 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1992
Dec 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1991
Jun 1980 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1980
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kingsford Heights

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
HOWMET CASTINGS & SERVICES INC.
Primary Metals · HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
LA PORTE, IN46350
Nickel169.9 mi
PRECOAT METALS
Fabricated Metals · AZZ INC
LA PORTE, IN46350
Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region)03.0 mi
ALEXANDER CHEMICAL CORP
Chemical Wholesalers · CARUS GROUP INC
LAPORTE, IN46350
2.4 mi
DWYER INSTRUMENTS INC
Computers and Electronic Products · DWYER INSTRUMENTS INC
KINGSBURY, IN46345
3.2 mi
ACCURATE CASTINGS INC KINGSBURY CASTINGS DIV
Primary Metals · ACCURATE CASTINGS INC
KINGSBURY, IN46345
3.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Kingsford Heights

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
May 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

LaPorte County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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
Mar 1982
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #652

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 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 decreased by 4.1 ppb from 1993 (5.6 ppb) to 2024 (1.5 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Kingsford Heights compares by contaminant

Explore where Kingsford Heights ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,800
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Kingsford Heights's water comes from

Groundwater

Kingsford Heights'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 1,800 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Kingsford Heights

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

Kankakee River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Kingsford Heights

System Name PWSID Population Source
KINGSFORD HEIGHTS WATER IN5246014 1,800 GW
Regional Comparison

How Kingsford Heights compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Kingsford Heights's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Kingsford Heights (this city)
88.7
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Kingsford Heights, IN

Wikipedia →

Kingsford Heights is a town in Union Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,335 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Michigan City, Indiana-La Porte, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. Also known as "Victory City," the town was built by the United States government for workers that worked in the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant, an ammunitions plant that served the US during World War II and later the Korean War.

Economic Profile
$54,387
Median Income
$86,315
Median Home Value
$865/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
33.8
Median Age
605
People / sq mi
6.9%
College Educated
57.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Kingsford Heights, IN tap water safe to drink?

Kingsford Heights'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 #81 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Kingsford Heights's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.

How is Kingsford Heights'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 Kingsford Heights?

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

Where does Kingsford Heights's water come from?

Kingsford Heights's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.

What health violations has Kingsford Heights's water system had?

Kingsford Heights has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Kingsford Heights's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Kingsford Heights 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 13 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 Kingsford Heights's water compare to other cities?

Kingsford Heights ranks #81 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 80% of state cities) and #3304 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.

Does Kingsford Heights's small water system affect quality?

Kingsford Heights's system serves approximately 1,800 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 13 violations on record.