Is Owensville, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Owensville, IN — Water Quality Report
Owensville's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,148 residents using groundwater.
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 4 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Owensville's water
Owensville ranks #32 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Owensville 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.
As a small community water system, Owensville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Owensville, IN water safe to drink?
Owensville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,148 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Owensville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Owensville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Nitrate.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Owensville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Owensville's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
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, Wabash River.
Where does Owensville's water come from?
Owensville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,148 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Patoka River (river), Wabash River (river).
What Owensville residents can do
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.
Owensville'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 Owensville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Owensville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NIDEC MOTOR CORP PRINCETON PRINCETON, IN47670 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
MID-STATES RUBBER PRODUCTS INC PRINCETON, IN47670 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
GIBSON GENERATING STATION OWENSVILLE, IN47665 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING INDIANA INC PRINCETON, IN47670 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
TOYOTA BOSHOKU INDIANA LLC PRINCETON, IN47670 | — | — | 7.1 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 Owensville compares by contaminant
Explore where Owensville ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Owensville's water comes from
Owensville'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 2,148 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Owensville
Owensville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Owensville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OWENSVILLE WATER WORKS | IN5226006 | 2,148 | GW |
How Owensville compares
Full Indiana rankings →Owensville's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Owensville, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Owensville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gibson
Frequently asked questions
Is Owensville, IN tap water safe to drink?
Owensville's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Owensville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Owensville'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 Owensville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Owensville's water come from?
Owensville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,148 residents.
What health violations has Owensville's water system had?
Owensville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2000. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Owensville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Owensville 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 4 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 Owensville's water compare to other cities?
Owensville ranks #32 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 92% of state cities) and #1653 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Owensville's small water system affect quality?
Owensville's system serves approximately 2,148 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 4 violations on record.