Is Oakland City, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.8/100
waterverge.com Oakland City, IN — Water Quality Report
Oakland City's drinking water received a grade of B (77.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,938 residents using surface water.
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 125 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oakland City's water
Oakland City ranks #264 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.06 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Oakland City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oakland City, IN water safe to drink?
Oakland City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,938 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oakland City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oakland City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Simazine, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Atrazine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oakland City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oakland City's water system has 125 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gibson County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Patoka River.
Where does Oakland City's water come from?
Oakland City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,938 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Patoka River (river).
What Oakland City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oakland City'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.
Oakland City'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 Oakland City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oakland City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP WINSLOW, IN47598 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Gibson County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Oakland City compares by contaminant
Explore where Oakland City ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oakland City's water comes from
Oakland City's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,938 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oakland City
Oakland City is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Oakland City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAKLAND CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5226005 | 2,938 | SW |
How Oakland City compares
Full Indiana rankings →Oakland City's score of 77.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Oakland City, IN
Wikipedia →Oakland City is the second-largest city, but third largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States, after Princeton and the town of Fort Branch. It is the site of the main campus of Oakland City University. The population was 2,279 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oakland City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gibson
Frequently asked questions
Is Oakland City, IN tap water safe to drink?
Oakland City's water quality earned a grade of B (77.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #264 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Oakland City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 125 violations are on record.
How is Oakland City'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 Oakland City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oakland City's water come from?
Oakland City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,938 residents.
What health violations has Oakland City's water system had?
Oakland City has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oakland City's water compare to other cities?
Oakland City ranks #264 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 36% of state cities) and #8885 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oakland City's small water system affect quality?
Oakland City's system serves approximately 2,938 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 125 violations on record.