Is Otwell, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Otwell, IN — Water Quality Report
Otwell's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,805 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 24 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Otwell's water
Otwell ranks #252 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 35.0 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Otwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Otwell, IN water safe to drink?
Otwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,805 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Otwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Otwell's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Otwell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Otwell's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pike 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 Patoka River.
Where does Otwell's water come from?
Otwell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,805 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 Otwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Otwell'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.
Otwell'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 Otwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Otwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,042 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IPL PETERSBURG PETERSBURG, IN47567 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2,042 | 8.9 mi |
N.O.F. - JASPER 11TH AVE. JASPER, IN47549 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
STELLA-JONES CORP WINSLOW, IN47598 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pike 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Otwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Otwell ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Otwell's water comes from
Otwell'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 2,805 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Otwell
Otwell 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 Otwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTWELL WATER CORPORATION | IN5263001 | 2,100 | SWP |
| OTWELL WATER CORP. #2 | IN5263007 | 705 | GWP |
How Otwell compares
Full Indiana rankings →Otwell's score of 79/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Otwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Otwell, IN tap water safe to drink?
Otwell's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #252 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Otwell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Otwell'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 Otwell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Otwell's water come from?
Otwell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,805 residents.
What health violations has Otwell's water system had?
Otwell has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Otwell's water compare to other cities?
Otwell ranks #252 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 39% of state cities) and #8427 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.