Is Monroe City, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Monroe City, IN — Water Quality Report
Monroe City's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 813 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 15 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monroe City's water
Monroe City ranks #188 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Monroe City 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, Monroe City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monroe City, IN water safe to drink?
Monroe City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 813 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Monroe City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monroe City's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Monroe City'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
Monroe City's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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 White River Above Petersburg, White River.
Where does Monroe City's water come from?
Monroe City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 813 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River Above Petersburg (river), White River (river).
What Monroe City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monroe City'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.
Monroe City'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 Monroe City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Monroe City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,269 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IPL PETERSBURG PETERSBURG, IN47567 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2,042 | 8.9 mi |
GRAIN PROCESSING CORP WASHINGTON, IN47501 | Zinc compounds | 227 | 7.2 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - WASHINGTON PROCESSING PLANT WASHINGTON, IN47501 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
FARBEST FOODS INC. VINCENNES, IN47591 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
RILEY EQUIPMENT VINCENNES, IN47591 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Monroe City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PRESTOLITE BATTERY DIVISION9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Knox 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Monroe City'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monroe City compares by contaminant
Explore where Monroe City ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monroe City's water comes from
Monroe City'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 813 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Monroe City
Monroe City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Monroe City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONROE CITY WATER UTILITIES | IN5242008 | 813 | GW |
How Monroe City compares
Full Indiana rankings →Monroe City's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Monroe City, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monroe City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Monroe City, IN tap water safe to drink?
Monroe City's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #188 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Monroe City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Monroe City'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 Monroe City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monroe City's water come from?
Monroe City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 813 residents.
What health violations has Monroe City's water system had?
Monroe City has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2000. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Monroe City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Monroe City 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 15 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 Monroe City's water compare to other cities?
Monroe City ranks #188 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 55% of state cities) and #6419 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Monroe City's small water system affect quality?
Monroe City's system serves approximately 813 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 15 violations on record.