Is Pierceton, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 61 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
Pierceton, IN — Water Quality Report
Pierceton's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,552 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 237 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pierceton's water
Pierceton ranks #392 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pierceton 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, Pierceton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pierceton, IN water safe to drink?
Pierceton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,552 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pierceton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pierceton's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pierceton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pierceton's water system has 237 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 61 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kosciusko 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. Local water sources include Tippecanoe River, Pike Lake.
Where does Pierceton's water come from?
Pierceton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,552 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tippecanoe River (river), Pike Lake (lake).
What Pierceton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pierceton'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.
Pierceton'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 Pierceton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pierceton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ESSEX FURUKAWA MAGNET WIRE USA LLC - PLANT #202 COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | Copper compounds | 19 | 7.9 mi |
AKZO NOBEL COATINGS WARSAW, IN46580 | Manganese compounds | 4 | 9.5 mi |
PARAGON MEDICAL INC PIERCETON, IN46562 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
ALUDYNE PIERCETON PIERCETON, IN46562 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
RIEPEN LLC (DBA DANCO MEDICAL) WARSAW, IN46580 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Kosciusko 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pierceton compares by contaminant
Explore where Pierceton ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pierceton's water comes from
Pierceton'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 1,552 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Pierceton
Pierceton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pierceton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIERCETON WATER WORKS | IN5243018 | 928 | GW |
| REGENCY POINTE ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5243011 | 345 | GW |
| MERRYWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5243014 | 210 | GW |
| RILEY RESORT LAND TRUST | IN5243063 | 39 | GW |
| OAK WOOD CIRCLE | IN5243064 | 30 | GW |
How Pierceton compares
Full Indiana rankings →Pierceton's score of 47/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Pierceton, IN
Wikipedia →Pierceton is a town in Washington Township, Kosciusko County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The population was 928 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pierceton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kosciusko
Frequently asked questions
Is Pierceton, IN tap water safe to drink?
Pierceton's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #392 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Pierceton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 237 violations are on record.
How is Pierceton'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 Pierceton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pierceton's water come from?
Pierceton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,552 residents.
What health violations has Pierceton's water system had?
Pierceton has 42 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 61 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pierceton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pierceton 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 237 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 Pierceton's water compare to other cities?
Pierceton ranks #392 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 5% of state cities) and #13768 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.