Is Roachdale, 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 ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Roachdale, IN — Water Quality Report
Roachdale's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,810 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 14 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roachdale's water
Roachdale ranks #69 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Roachdale 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, Roachdale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roachdale, IN water safe to drink?
Roachdale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,810 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roachdale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roachdale's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Roachdale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roachdale's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Big Walnut Creek, Plum Creek.
Where does Roachdale's water come from?
Roachdale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,810 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Walnut Creek (river), Plum Creek (river).
What Roachdale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roachdale'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.
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 Roachdale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roachdale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,264 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NUCOR STEEL CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 1,264 | 8.8 mi |
DUBOSE STRAPPING INC. CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
STEEL TECHNOLOGIES LLC CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN47933 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Putnam County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Roachdale compares by contaminant
Explore where Roachdale ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roachdale's water comes from
Roachdale'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 1,810 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Roachdale
Roachdale is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roachdale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROACHDALE WATER WORKS | IN5267007 | 980 | GW |
| VAN BIBBER LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT | IN5267010 | 830 | GW |
How Roachdale compares
Full Indiana rankings →Roachdale's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Roachdale, IN
Wikipedia →Roachdale is a town in Franklin and Jackson townships, Putnam County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of the 2020 census, Roachdale had a population of 840.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roachdale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Roachdale, IN tap water safe to drink?
Roachdale's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Roachdale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Roachdale'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 Roachdale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roachdale's water come from?
Roachdale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,810 residents.
What health violations has Roachdale's water system had?
Roachdale has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roachdale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roachdale 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 Roachdale's water compare to other cities?
Roachdale ranks #69 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 83% of state cities) and #2913 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.