WaterVerge

Is Monroe, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

872 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5201004
Overall Score
91.8 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#29 of 414 in Indiana Top 10% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
91.8/100
waterverge.com
A 91.8/100

Monroe, IN — Water Quality Report

Monroe's drinking water received a grade of A (91.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 872 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

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

What to know about Monroe's water

Monroe ranks #29 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
91.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Monroe, IN water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Monroe's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 872 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Monroe

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monroe's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.8/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

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 Monroe's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Monroe's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Dec 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Aug 2002 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 2001 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jun 1980 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Adams County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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, St Marys River At Walcot Street At Willshire, Blue Creek Nr Pleasant Mills, St. Marys River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-553

Where does Monroe's water come from?

Monroe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 872 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), St Marys River At Walcot Street At Willshire (river), Blue Creek Nr Pleasant Mills (river), St. Marys River (river).

What Monroe residents can do

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

Monroe'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
0
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Dec 2004
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
0 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Dec 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2002
Jun 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2001
Jun 1980 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1980
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Monroe

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 505 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BUNGE N.A. (EAST) L.L.C.
Food · BUNGE NORTH AMERICA INC
DECATUR, IN46733
n-Hexane5056.7 mi
FCC (ADAMS) LLC
Transportation Equipment · FCC (NORTH AMERICA) LLC
BERNE, IN46711
5.5 mi
REV RECREATION GROUP CAMPUS P1
Transportation Equipment · REV GROUP INC
DECATUR, IN46733
6.9 mi
GOLDSHIELD FIBERGLASS INC 43-2
Plastics and Rubber · REV GROUP INC
DECATUR, IN46733
5.5 mi
GOLDSHIELD FIBERGLASS INC 43-1
Plastics and Rubber · REV GROUP INC
DECATUR, IN46733
5.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Adams County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1978. 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
Mar 1978
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #553

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 5.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
872
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Monroe's water comes from

Groundwater

Monroe'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 872 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Monroe

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

Wabash River
river
St Marys River At Walcot Street At Willshire
river
Blue Creek Nr Pleasant Mills
river
St. Marys River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Monroe

System Name PWSID Population Source
MONROE WATER DEPARTMENT IN5201004 872 GW
Regional Comparison

How Monroe compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Monroe's score of 91.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Monroe (this city)
91.8
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Monroe, IN

Economic Profile
$68,125
Median Income
$132,024
Median Home Value
$645/mo
Median Rent
0.3%
Unemployment
Community
29.5
Median Age
364
People / sq mi
19.2%
College Educated
82%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Monroe, IN tap water safe to drink?

Monroe's water quality earned a grade of A (91.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Monroe's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Monroe'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?

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

Where does Monroe's water come from?

Monroe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 872 residents.

Is Monroe's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Monroe 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 4 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's water compare to other cities?

Monroe ranks #29 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 93% of state cities) and #1501 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 Monroe's small water system affect quality?

Monroe's system serves approximately 872 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 4 violations on record.