Is North Salem, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.9/100
waterverge.com North Salem, IN — Water Quality Report
North Salem's drinking water received a grade of A (92.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 515 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 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Salem's water
North Salem ranks #19 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
North Salem 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, North Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Salem, IN water safe to drink?
North Salem's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 515 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 North Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
North Salem's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hendricks County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 West Fork White Lick Creek, Big Walnut Creek, Plum Creek.
Where does North Salem's water come from?
North Salem's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 515 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Fork White Lick Creek (river), Big Walnut Creek (river), Plum Creek (river).
What North Salem 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.
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 North Salem
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near North Salem, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 87 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STEEL DYNAMICS INC-ENGINEERED BAR PRODUCTS DIV PITTSBORO, IN46167 | Manganese compounds | 87 | 8.6 mi |
FUKAI TOYOTETSU INDIANA CORP JAMESTOWN, IN46147 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hendricks County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 North Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where North Salem ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Salem's water comes from
North Salem'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 515 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near North Salem
North Salem is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH SALEM WATER CORPORATION | IN5232017 | 515 | GW |
How North Salem compares
Full Indiana rankings →North Salem's score of 92.9/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About North Salem, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hendricks
Frequently asked questions
Is North Salem, IN tap water safe to drink?
North Salem's water quality earned a grade of A (92.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in North Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is North Salem'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 North Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Salem's water come from?
North Salem's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 515 residents.
What health violations has North Salem's water system had?
North Salem has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2016. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Salem's groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Salem 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 North Salem's water compare to other cities?
North Salem ranks #19 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 95% of state cities) and #1084 out of 15744 cities nationally (93th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does North Salem's small water system affect quality?
North Salem's system serves approximately 515 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.