Is Medora, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.1/100
waterverge.com Medora, IN — Water Quality Report
Medora's drinking water received a grade of A (92.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 873 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Medora's water
Medora ranks #25 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Medora 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, Medora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Medora, IN water safe to drink?
Medora's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 873 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Medora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Medora's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Medora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Medora's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 South Fork Salt Creek.
Where does Medora's water come from?
Medora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 873 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Salt Creek (river).
What Medora residents can do
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.
Medora'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 Medora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Medora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
E&H TUBING INC BROWNSTOWN, IN47220 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Medora compares by contaminant
Explore where Medora ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Medora's water comes from
Medora'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 873 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Medora
Medora is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Medora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEDORA WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5236004 | 873 | GW |
How Medora compares
Full Indiana rankings →Medora's score of 92.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Medora, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Medora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Medora, IN tap water safe to drink?
Medora's water quality earned a grade of A (92.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Medora's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Medora'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 Medora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Medora's water come from?
Medora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 873 residents.
Is Medora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Medora 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 14 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 Medora's water compare to other cities?
Medora ranks #25 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 94% of state cities) and #1377 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Medora's small water system affect quality?
Medora's system serves approximately 873 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 14 violations on record.