Is Liberty, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.6/100
Liberty, IN — Water Quality Report
Liberty's drinking water received a grade of B (76.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,692 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 107 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Liberty's water
Liberty ranks #279 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Liberty 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, Liberty may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Liberty, IN water safe to drink?
Liberty's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,692 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Liberty
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Liberty's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Liberty's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Liberty's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 East Fork Whitewater River.
Where does Liberty's water come from?
Liberty's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,692 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Fork Whitewater River (river).
What Liberty residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Liberty'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.
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 Liberty
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Liberty, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PROTECH POWDER COATINGS INC LIBERTY, IN47353 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Union County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Liberty compares by contaminant
Explore where Liberty ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Liberty's water comes from
Liberty'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 2,692 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Liberty
Liberty is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Liberty
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIBERTY WATER WORKS | IN5281001 | 2,133 | GW |
| HERITAGE HILLS CAMPGROUND | IN5281029 | 525 | GWP |
| LIBERTY COUNTRY CLUB- HOUSING DEVELOP. | IN5281003 | 34 | GW |
How Liberty compares
Full Indiana rankings →Liberty's score of 76.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Liberty, IN
Wikipedia →Liberty is a town in and the county seat of Union County, Indiana, United States, located about 5 miles (8.0 km) west of the state's border with Ohio. The population was 2,000 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Liberty's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is Liberty, IN tap water safe to drink?
Liberty's water quality earned a grade of B (76.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #279 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Liberty's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Liberty'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 Liberty?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Liberty's water come from?
Liberty's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,692 residents.
What health violations has Liberty's water system had?
Liberty has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Liberty's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Liberty 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 107 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 Liberty's water compare to other cities?
Liberty ranks #279 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 33% of state cities) and #9248 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.