Is Paragon, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Paragon, IN — Water Quality Report
Paragon's drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 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 46 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paragon's water
Paragon ranks #75 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Paragon 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, Paragon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paragon, IN water safe to drink?
Paragon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paragon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paragon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4882). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Paragon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paragon's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morgan County has experienced 4 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 Paragon's water come from?
Paragon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 663 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Paragon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paragon'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.
Paragon'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
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Paragon
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PIKE AND MULBERRY STREETS PCE PLUME7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Morgan County has experienced 4 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 Paragon compares by contaminant
Explore where Paragon ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paragon's water comes from
Paragon'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 663 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Paragon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARAGON WATER WORKS | IN5255013 | 663 | GW |
How Paragon compares
Full Indiana rankings →Paragon's score of 89/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Paragon, IN
Wikipedia →Paragon is a town in Ray Township, Morgan County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 556 at the 2020 census, down from 659 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paragon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Morgan
Frequently asked questions
Is Paragon, IN tap water safe to drink?
Paragon's water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Paragon's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Paragon'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 Paragon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paragon's water come from?
Paragon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 663 residents.
What health violations has Paragon's water system had?
Paragon has 1 health-based violation 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paragon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paragon 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 46 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 Paragon's water compare to other cities?
Paragon ranks #75 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 82% of state cities) and #3138 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paragon's small water system affect quality?
Paragon's system serves approximately 663 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 46 violations on record.