Is Knightstown, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Knightstown, IN — Water Quality Report
Knightstown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,444 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 91 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knightstown's water
Knightstown ranks #200 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Knightstown 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, Knightstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knightstown, IN water safe to drink?
Knightstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,444 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Knightstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knightstown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1109). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Knightstown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Knightstown's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henry 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 Big Blue River.
Where does Knightstown's water come from?
Knightstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,444 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Blue River (river).
What Knightstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Knightstown'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.
Knightstown'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Knightstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Knightstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOAR'S HEAD PROVISIONS CO. INC. - NEW CASTLE NEW CASTLE, IN47362 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Henry 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.
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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Knightstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Knightstown ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knightstown's water comes from
Knightstown'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 2,444 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Knightstown
Knightstown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Knightstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNIGHTSTOWN WATER UTILITY | IN5233005 | 2,182 | GW |
| HOOSIER YOUTH CHALLENGE ACADEMY | IN5270007 | 262 | GW |
How Knightstown compares
Full Indiana rankings →Knightstown's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Knightstown, IN
Wikipedia →Knightstown is a town in Wayne Township, Henry County, Indiana, adjacent to Rush County, along the Big Blue River. The population was 2,140 at the 2020 census. It is approximately thirty-two miles east of Indianapolis.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knightstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henry
Frequently asked questions
Is Knightstown, IN tap water safe to drink?
Knightstown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #200 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Knightstown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Knightstown'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 Knightstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knightstown's water come from?
Knightstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,444 residents.
What health violations has Knightstown's water system had?
Knightstown has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Knightstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Knightstown 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 91 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 Knightstown's water compare to other cities?
Knightstown ranks #200 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 52% of state cities) and #6819 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.