Is Oolitic, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.3/100
waterverge.com Oolitic, IN — Water Quality Report
Oolitic's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,315 residents using purchased 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 35 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oolitic's water
Oolitic ranks #376 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Oolitic may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oolitic, IN water safe to drink?
Oolitic's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,315 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oolitic
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oolitic's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Oolitic's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oolitic's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe 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.
Where does Oolitic's water come from?
Oolitic's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,315 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Oolitic residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oolitic'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.
Oolitic'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 Oolitic
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oolitic, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GENERAL MOTORS LLC-BEDFORD GPS BEDFORD, IN47421 | Copper | 0 | 2.4 mi |
INDIANA STEEL & ENGINEERING CORP. BEDFORD, IN47421 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Monroe 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 Oolitic compares by contaminant
Explore where Oolitic ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oolitic's water comes from
Oolitic'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 1,315 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Oolitic
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OOLITIC WATER WORKS | IN5247005 | 1,315 | SWP |
How Oolitic compares
Full Indiana rankings →Oolitic's score of 53.3/100 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 Oolitic, IN
Wikipedia →Bloomington is a city in Monroe County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. The population was 79,168 at the 2020 census. It is the seventh-most populous city in Indiana and the fourth-most populous outside the Indianapolis metropolitan area. It is the home of Indiana University Bloomington, the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Established in 1820, IU Bloomington enrolls over 45,000 students.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oolitic's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Oolitic, IN tap water safe to drink?
Oolitic's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #376 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Oolitic's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Oolitic'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 Oolitic?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oolitic's water come from?
Oolitic's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,315 residents.
What health violations has Oolitic's water system had?
Oolitic has 21 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oolitic's water compare to other cities?
Oolitic ranks #376 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 9% of state cities) and #12691 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oolitic's small water system affect quality?
Oolitic's system serves approximately 1,315 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 35 violations on record.