Is Ossian, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Ossian, IN — Water Quality Report
Ossian's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,664 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 75 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ossian's water
Ossian ranks #64 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ossian 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ossian, IN water safe to drink?
Ossian's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,664 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ossian
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ossian's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ossian's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ossian's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wells County has experienced 2 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 Wabash River, St. Marys River.
Where does Ossian's water come from?
Ossian's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,664 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wabash River (river), St. Marys River (river).
What Ossian residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ossian'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.
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 Ossian
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ossian, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTEVA PRODUCTS-BLUFFTON OPERATIONS BLUFFTON, IN46714 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
GM TRUCK GROUP FORT WAYNE ASSEMBLY ROANOKE, IN46783 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
LIPPERT PLANT 77 & 111 YODER, IN46798 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
FORT WAYNE METALS RESEARCH PRODUCTS LLC (MCARTHUR SITE) FORT WAYNE, IN46809 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
FORT WAYNE METALS RESEARCH PRODUCTS LLC (AVIONICS SITE) FORT WAYNE, IN46809 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wells County has experienced 2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ossian compares by contaminant
Explore where Ossian ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ossian's water comes from
Ossian'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 3,664 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Ossian
Ossian is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ossian
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSSIAN MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5290002 | 3,289 | GW |
| KOZY KOURT DBA SILO FARMS | IN5290004 | 325 | GW |
| HOMESTEAD WATER ASSOCIATION | IN5290005 | 50 | GW |
How Ossian compares
Full Indiana rankings →Ossian's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Ossian, IN
Wikipedia →Ossian is a town in Jefferson Township, Wells County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The town was named after Ossian, the narrator of a cycle of epic poems by the Scottish poet James Macpherson. The population was 3,266 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ossian's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wells
Frequently asked questions
Is Ossian, IN tap water safe to drink?
Ossian's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Ossian's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Ossian'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 Ossian?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ossian's water come from?
Ossian's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,664 residents.
What health violations has Ossian's water system had?
Ossian has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ossian's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ossian 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 75 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 Ossian's water compare to other cities?
Ossian ranks #64 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 85% of state cities) and #2836 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.