Is Parker City, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.9/100
waterverge.com Parker City, IN — Water Quality Report
Parker City's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Parker City's water
Parker City ranks #310 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Parker City 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, Parker City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Parker City, IN water safe to drink?
Parker City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Parker City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parker City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts 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 Parker City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Parker City's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 3 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 Parker City's water come from?
Parker City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Parker City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Parker City'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.
Parker City'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 Parker City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Parker City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BECKETT BRONZE CO INC MUNCIE, IN47302 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
DELAWARE DYNAMICS LLC MUNCIE, IN47302 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
MAXON CORP MUNCIE, IN47302 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
AZZ GALVANIZING SERVICES-MUNCIE MUNCIE, IN47302 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
MUNCIE CASTING CORP MUNCIE, IN47302 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Randolph County has experienced 3 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Parker City compares by contaminant
Explore where Parker City ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Parker City's water comes from
Parker City'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Parker City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARKER CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5268007 | 1,400 | GW |
How Parker City compares
Full Indiana rankings →Parker City's score of 73.9/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Parker City, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Parker City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Parker City, IN tap water safe to drink?
Parker City's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #310 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Parker City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Parker City'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 Parker City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Parker City's water come from?
Parker City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Parker City's water system had?
Parker City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Parker City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Parker City 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 14 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 Parker City's water compare to other cities?
Parker City ranks #310 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 25% of state cities) and #9990 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Parker City's small water system affect quality?
Parker City's system serves approximately 1,400 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 14 violations on record.