Is Paxton, 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 ↓
93.6/100
waterverge.com Paxton, IN — Water Quality Report
Paxton's drinking water received a grade of A (93.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,013 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 13 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Paxton's water
Paxton ranks #13 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Paxton 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, Paxton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paxton, IN water safe to drink?
Paxton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,013 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paxton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paxton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Paxton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paxton's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan 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 Busseron Creek.
Where does Paxton's water come from?
Paxton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,013 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Busseron Creek (river).
What Paxton 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.
Paxton'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 Paxton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Paxton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,232 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MEROM GENERATING STATION SULLIVAN, IN47882 | Ammonia | 2,230 | 3.4 mi |
BEAR RUN MINE CARLISLE, IN47838 | Lead compounds | 2 | 6.4 mi |
RAYBESTOS POWERTRAIN LLC SULLIVAN, IN47882 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
RAYBESTOS POWERTRAIN LLC SULLIVAN, IN47882 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Sullivan 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 Paxton compares by contaminant
Explore where Paxton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paxton's water comes from
Paxton'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 2,013 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paxton
Paxton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paxton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAXTON WATER CORPORATION | IN5277006 | 2,013 | GW |
How Paxton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Paxton's score of 93.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Paxton, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paxton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Paxton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Paxton's water quality earned a grade of A (93.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #13 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Paxton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Paxton'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 Paxton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paxton's water come from?
Paxton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,013 residents.
What health violations has Paxton's water system had?
Paxton has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2007. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Paxton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paxton 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 13 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 Paxton's water compare to other cities?
Paxton ranks #13 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 97% of state cities) and #785 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paxton's small water system affect quality?
Paxton's system serves approximately 2,013 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 13 violations on record.