WaterVerge

Is Milford, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: IN5243017
Overall Score
50 / 100
Violations
19 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#380 of 414 in Indiana Top 84% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
50/100
waterverge.com
D+ 50/100

Milford, IN — Water Quality Report

Milford's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,586 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.1 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 150 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Milford's water

Milford ranks #380 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

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

The system has seen 75 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
50 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.1 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 Milford, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Milford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,586 residents using groundwater (wells).

19
Active Violations
0.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Milford

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milford's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Milford's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Milford's water system has 150 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 75 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMONMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Nov 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Nov 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Kosciusko County has experienced 3 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 Tippecanoe River, Pike Lake.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4363
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Milford's water come from?

Milford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,586 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tippecanoe River (river), Pike Lake (lake).

What Milford residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Monitor alerts during storms

Milford'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 1% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

150
Total violations
5
Health-based
19
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

150 Total
19 Active
5 Health-based
131 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
56
Inorganic Chemicals
22
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
16
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Nov 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Nov 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2025
Showing 20 of 150 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Milford

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 42 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DELTA FAUCET CO
Fabricated Metals · MASCO CORP
GREENSBURG, IN47240
Nitric acid276.2 mi
RESONAC POWDERED METALS AMERICA INC.
Fabricated Metals · RESONAC AMERICA INC
GREENSBURG, IN47240
Copper168.1 mi
DAVE O'MARA CONTRACTOR INC
Petroleum · DAVE O'MARA CONTRACTOR INC
FLAT ROCK, IN47234
8.7 mi
ADVANCED BEARING MATERIALS LLC
Transportation Equipment · MIBA BEARINGS US LLC
GREENSBURG, IN47240
5.9 mi
GECOM CORP
Transportation Equipment · NA
GREENSBURG, IN47240
8.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
May 2018
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Kosciusko County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

May 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4363
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) 0.1 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 4.9 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,586
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Milford's water comes from

Groundwater

Milford'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 1,586 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Milford

Milford is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Tippecanoe River
river
Pike Lake
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Milford

System Name PWSID Population Source
MILFORD WATER DEPARTMENT IN5243017 1,556 GW
WAUBEE LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK IN5243031 30 GW
Regional Comparison

How Milford compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Milford's score of 50/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Milford (this city)
50
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
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Frequently asked questions

Is Milford, IN tap water safe to drink?

Milford's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #380 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Milford's water?

Lead was measured at 0.1 ppb (90th percentile). 150 violations are on record.

How is Milford'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 Milford?

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

Where does Milford's water come from?

Milford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,586 residents.

What health violations has Milford's water system had?

Milford has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.

Is Milford's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Milford 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 150 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 Milford's water compare to other cities?

Milford ranks #380 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 8% of state cities) and #13138 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.