Is Lapel, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
waterverge.com Lapel, IN — Water Quality Report
Lapel's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 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 2.0 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 48 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lapel's water
Lapel ranks #293 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lapel 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, Lapel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lapel, IN water safe to drink?
Lapel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), 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 Lapel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lapel's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Lapel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lapel's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 4 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 White River, Stony Creek, William Lock Ditch, Fall Creek, Sand Creek.
Where does Lapel's water come from?
Lapel'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 White River (river), Stony Creek (river), William Lock Ditch (stream), Fall Creek (river), Sand Creek (river).
What Lapel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lapel'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.
Lapel'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 Lapel
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lapel, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SIRMAX N.A. INC ANDERSON, IN46016 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
MORIROKU TECHNOLOGY N.A. - A ANDERSON, IN46011 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
NESTLE USA INC-ANDERSON ANDERSON, IN46013 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
THURSDAY POOLS FORTVILLE, IN46040 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
OWENS BROCKWAY GLASS CONTAINER INC PLANT #08 LAPEL, IN46051 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 4 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 Lapel'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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.100 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lapel compares by contaminant
Explore where Lapel ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lapel's water comes from
Lapel'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 Lapel
Lapel is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lapel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAPEL MUNICIPAL WATER COMPANY | IN5248013 | 2,379 | GW |
| CITIZENS WATER OF WESTFIELD LLC | IN5248026 | 65 | SWP |
How Lapel compares
Full Indiana rankings →Lapel's score of 75.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Lapel, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lapel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Lapel, IN tap water safe to drink?
Lapel's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #293 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Lapel's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Lapel'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 Lapel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lapel's water come from?
Lapel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,444 residents.
What health violations has Lapel's water system had?
Lapel has 3 health-based violations 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lapel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lapel 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 48 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 Lapel's water compare to other cities?
Lapel ranks #293 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 29% of state cities) and #9629 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.