Is Orleans, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.8/100
waterverge.com Orleans, IN — Water Quality Report
Orleans's drinking water received a grade of A (91.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,142 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orleans's water
Orleans ranks #28 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Orleans may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orleans, IN water safe to drink?
Orleans's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,142 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Orleans
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orleans's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Orleans's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Orleans's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 East Fork White River, Lost River, Lick Creek.
Where does Orleans's water come from?
Orleans's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,142 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Fork White River (river), Lost River (river), Lick Creek (river).
What Orleans residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orleans'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.
Orleans'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 Orleans
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Orleans, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 523 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US CEMENT LLC MITCHELL, IN47446 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 523 | 5.7 mi |
NETSHAPE TECHNOLOGIES - CAMPBELLSBURG FACILITY CAMPBELLSBURG, IN47108 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
INLINER SOLUTIONS LLC ORLEANS, IN47452 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Orange County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orleans compares by contaminant
Explore where Orleans ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orleans's water comes from
Orleans'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 2,142 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Orleans
Orleans is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Orleans
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLEANS WATER WORKS | IN5259003 | 2,142 | SWP |
How Orleans compares
Full Indiana rankings →Orleans's score of 91.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Orleans, IN
Wikipedia →Orleans is a town in Orleans Township, Orange County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 census, Orleans had a population of 2,108.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orleans's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Orleans, IN tap water safe to drink?
Orleans's water quality earned a grade of A (91.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Orleans's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Orleans'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 Orleans?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orleans's water come from?
Orleans's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,142 residents.
How does Orleans's water compare to other cities?
Orleans ranks #28 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 93% of state cities) and #1493 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Orleans's small water system affect quality?
Orleans's system serves approximately 2,142 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.