Is Rising Sun, 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 ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Rising Sun, IN — Water Quality Report
Rising Sun's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Rising Sun's water
Rising Sun ranks #48 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rising Sun 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Rising Sun may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rising Sun, IN water safe to drink?
Rising Sun's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,400 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rising Sun
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rising Sun's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rising Sun's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Rising Sun's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Ohio County has experienced 4 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 Woolper Creek, Tanners Creek, Gunpowder, Mud Lick.
Where does Rising Sun's water come from?
Rising Sun's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Woolper Creek (river), Tanners Creek (river), Gunpowder (river), Mud Lick (river).
What Rising Sun 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Rising Sun'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 Rising Sun
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rising Sun, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,349 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY KENTUCKY INC. EAST BEND GENERATING STATION RABBIT HASH, KY41091 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 3,349 | 3.0 mi |
MATTHEWS AURORA LLC AURORA, IN47001 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ohio County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rising Sun's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rising Sun compares by contaminant
Explore where Rising Sun ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rising Sun's water comes from
Rising Sun'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 2,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rising Sun
Rising Sun is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rising Sun
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RISING SUN UTILITIES | IN5258002 | 2,400 | GW |
How Rising Sun compares
Full Indiana rankings →Rising Sun's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Rising Sun, IN
Wikipedia →Rising Sun is a city in Randolph Township and the county seat of Ohio County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River. It is also the only incorporated community in the county. The population of Rising Sun was 2,248 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rising Sun's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rising Sun, IN tap water safe to drink?
Rising Sun's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Rising Sun's water?
Lead was measured at 6.9 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Rising Sun'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 Rising Sun?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rising Sun's water come from?
Rising Sun's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,400 residents.
Is Rising Sun's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rising Sun 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 5 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 Rising Sun's water compare to other cities?
Rising Sun ranks #48 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 88% of state cities) and #2186 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rising Sun's small water system affect quality?
Rising Sun's system serves approximately 2,400 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 5 violations on record.