Is New Carlisle, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.9/100
waterverge.com New Carlisle, IN — Water Quality Report
New Carlisle's drinking water received a grade of C (61.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,245 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 106 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Carlisle's water
New Carlisle ranks #358 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New Carlisle 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, New Carlisle 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 New Carlisle, IN water safe to drink?
New Carlisle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,245 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Carlisle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Carlisle's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Carlisle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Carlisle's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does New Carlisle's water come from?
New Carlisle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,245 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What New Carlisle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Carlisle'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.
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 New Carlisle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Carlisle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EDCOAT LLC NEW CARLISLE, IN46552 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
I/N KOTE NEW CARLISLE, IN465529695 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
ALKEGEN NEW CARLISLE, IN46552 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 New Carlisle compares by contaminant
Explore where New Carlisle ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Carlisle's water comes from
New Carlisle'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 2,245 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving New Carlisle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW CARLISLE WATER WORKS | IN5271011 | 1,861 | GW |
| HAMILTON GROVE | IN5271024 | 384 | GW |
How New Carlisle compares
Full Indiana rankings →New Carlisle's score of 61.9/100 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 New Carlisle, IN
Wikipedia →New Carlisle is a town in Olive Township, St. Joseph County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 1,891, as of the 2020 Census. It is part of the South Bend–Mishawaka, IN-MI, Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Carlisle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Joseph
Frequently asked questions
Is New Carlisle, IN tap water safe to drink?
New Carlisle's water quality earned a grade of C (61.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #358 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in New Carlisle's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is New Carlisle'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 New Carlisle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Carlisle's water come from?
New Carlisle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,245 residents.
What health violations has New Carlisle's water system had?
New Carlisle has 30 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Carlisle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Carlisle 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 106 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 New Carlisle's water compare to other cities?
New Carlisle ranks #358 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 14% of state cities) and #11945 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.