Is Montezuma, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.3/100
waterverge.com Montezuma, IN — Water Quality Report
Montezuma's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,022 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 37 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Montezuma's water
Montezuma ranks #371 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Montezuma 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, Montezuma may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montezuma, IN water safe to drink?
Montezuma's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of C- (56.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,022 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montezuma
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montezuma's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Montezuma's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montezuma's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Parke 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 Wabash River, Big Raccoon Creek.
Where does Montezuma's water come from?
Montezuma's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,022 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), Big Raccoon Creek (river).
What Montezuma 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.
Montezuma'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 Montezuma
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montezuma, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 110,177 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELANCO CLINTON LABORATORIES CLINTON, IN47842 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 110,176 | 4.4 mi |
INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO CAYUGA, IN47928 | Mercury compounds | 1 | 8.8 mi |
PERMABASE BUILDING PRODUCTS - CLINTON CLINTON, IN47842 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
SUPERIOR FOREST PRODUCTS LLC MONTEZUMA, IN47862 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Parke 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montezuma compares by contaminant
Explore where Montezuma ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montezuma's water comes from
Montezuma'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 1,022 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montezuma
Montezuma is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Montezuma
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTEZUMA MUNICIPAL UTILITY | IN5261005 | 1,022 | GW |
How Montezuma compares
Full Indiana rankings →Montezuma's score of 56.3/100 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.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Montezuma, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montezuma's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Parke
Frequently asked questions
Is Montezuma, IN tap water safe to drink?
Montezuma's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #371 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Montezuma's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Montezuma'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 Montezuma?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montezuma's water come from?
Montezuma's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,022 residents.
What health violations has Montezuma's water system had?
Montezuma has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Montezuma's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montezuma 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 37 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 Montezuma's water compare to other cities?
Montezuma ranks #371 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 10% of state cities) and #12469 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montezuma's small water system affect quality?
Montezuma's system serves approximately 1,022 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 37 violations on record.