Is Linden, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.9/100
waterverge.com Linden, IN — Water Quality Report
Linden's drinking water received a grade of D (48.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 759 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 91 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Linden's water
Linden ranks #386 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Linden 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, Linden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 48 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Linden, IN water safe to drink?
Linden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 759 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Linden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linden's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Linden'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
Linden's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 48 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery 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 Sugar Creek.
Where does Linden's water come from?
Linden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 759 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river).
What Linden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Linden'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Linden'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 Linden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Linden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RAYBESTOS POWERTRAIN LLC CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | Lead | 3 | 10.0 mi |
CROWN FOOD PACKAGING CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
HERITAGE PRODUCTS CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS CO LLC DBA VALERO LINDEN PLANT LINDEN, IN47955 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Montgomery 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 Linden'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. | 4.0 | 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. | 1.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Linden compares by contaminant
Explore where Linden ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Linden's water comes from
Linden'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 759 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Linden
Linden is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Linden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINDEN WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5254007 | 759 | GW |
How Linden compares
Full Indiana rankings →Linden's score of 48.9/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Linden, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Linden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Linden, IN tap water safe to drink?
Linden's water quality earned a grade of D (48.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #386 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Linden's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Linden'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 Linden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Linden's water come from?
Linden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 759 residents.
What health violations has Linden's water system had?
Linden has 2 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 Linden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Linden 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 Linden's water compare to other cities?
Linden ranks #386 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 7% of state cities) and #13397 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Linden's small water system affect quality?
Linden's system serves approximately 759 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 91 violations on record.