WaterVerge

Is Markle, 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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5235006
Overall Score
90.2 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#51 of 414 in Indiana Top 15% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.2/100
waterverge.com
A 90.2/100

Markle, IN — Water Quality Report

Markle's drinking water received a grade of A (90.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 49 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Markle's water

Markle ranks #51 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.2/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Markle, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Markle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
2.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
2 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Markle

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Markle's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Markle's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Markle's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2015 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2015 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2008 Nitrate Resolved
Jan 2008 Barium Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Huntington County has experienced 2 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 Wabash River, J. Edward Roush Lake, Little River, Salamonie River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Markle's water come from?

Markle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wabash River (river), J. Edward Roush Lake (lake), Little River (river), Salamonie River (river).

What Markle residents can do

Install a water filter

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

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
2.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 14% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

49
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

49 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
44 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Inorganic Chemicals
17
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
3
Arsenic Rule
2
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2015 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2008 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2005 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2005
Showing 20 of 49 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Markle

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
METAL SOURCE LLC
Fabricated Metals · GEBHART HOLDINGS INC
HUNTINGTON, IN46750
Copper39.7 mi
INTEVA PRODUCTS-BLUFFTON OPERATIONS
Transportation Equipment · THE RENCO GROUP INC
BLUFFTON, IN46714
9.6 mi
SUNOCO LLC - HUNTINGTON
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · SUNOCO LP
HUNTINGTON, IN46750
7.5 mi
ECOLAB INC
Chemicals · ECOLAB INC
HUNTINGTON, IN46750
8.9 mi
GENERAL ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING CO
Primary Metals · ANGSTROM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP LLC
HUNTINGTON, IN46750
8.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

2
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Huntington County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.1 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 9.9 ppb from 1993 (12.0 ppb) to 2024 (2.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,095
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Markle's water comes from

Groundwater

Markle'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 1,095 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Markle

Markle is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Wabash River
river
J. Edward Roush Lake
lake
Little River
river
Salamonie River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Markle

System Name PWSID Population Source
MARKLE WATER UTILITY IN5235006 1,095 GW
Regional Comparison

How Markle compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Markle's score of 90.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Markle (this city)
90.2
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Markle, IN

Economic Profile
$59,500
Median Income
$119,838
Median Home Value
$769/mo
Median Rent
2.8%
Unemployment
Community
44.5
Median Age
345
People / sq mi
16.2%
College Educated
71%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Markle, IN tap water safe to drink?

Markle's water quality earned a grade of A (90.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Markle's water?

Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.

How is Markle'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 Markle?

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

Where does Markle's water come from?

Markle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 residents.

Is Markle's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Markle 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 49 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 Markle's water compare to other cities?

Markle ranks #51 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 88% of state cities) and #2373 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Markle's small water system affect quality?

Markle's system serves approximately 1,095 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 49 violations on record.