Is New Palestine, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com New Palestine, IN — Water Quality Report
New Palestine's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,815 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 71 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Palestine's water
New Palestine ranks #152 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Palestine 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 Palestine may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Palestine, IN water safe to drink?
New Palestine's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,815 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Palestine
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Palestine's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 New Palestine'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
New Palestine's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock 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 Brandywine Creek, Sugar Creek.
Where does New Palestine's water come from?
New Palestine's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,815 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Brandywine Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What New Palestine residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Palestine'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.
New Palestine'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 New Palestine
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Palestine, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 70 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC INDIANAPOLIS, IN46219 | Copper | 68 | 8.5 mi |
SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC INDIANAPOLIS, IN46219 | Nickel | 1 | 8.7 mi |
HITACHI ASTEMO GREENFIELD LLC GREENFIELD, IN46140 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
INDIANA AUTOMOTIVE FASTENERS GREENFIELD, IN46140 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
PRECOAT METALS GREENFIELD, IN46140 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hancock 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New Palestine'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. | 1.59 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.590 mg/L (1998)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how New Palestine compares by contaminant
Explore where New Palestine ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Palestine's water comes from
New Palestine'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,815 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near New Palestine
New Palestine is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Palestine
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NINESTAR CONNECT - GEM WATER | IN5230008 | 1,700 | GW |
| ARROWHEAD MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5230001 | 65 | GW |
| CADE APARTMENTS | IN5230010 | 50 | GW |
How New Palestine compares
Full Indiana rankings →New Palestine's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About New Palestine, IN
Wikipedia →Greenfield is a city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Indiana, United States. It lies in Center and Brandywine townships and is part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The population was 23,488 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Palestine's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is New Palestine, IN tap water safe to drink?
New Palestine's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #152 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in New Palestine's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is New Palestine'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 Palestine?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Palestine's water come from?
New Palestine's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,815 residents.
What health violations has New Palestine's water system had?
New Palestine has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Palestine's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Palestine 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 71 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 Palestine's water compare to other cities?
New Palestine ranks #152 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 63% of state cities) and #5462 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.