Is Roanoke, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Roanoke, IN — Water Quality Report
Roanoke's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,722 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 17 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roanoke's water
Roanoke ranks #153 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Roanoke 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, Roanoke may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roanoke, IN water safe to drink?
Roanoke's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,722 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roanoke
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roanoke's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roanoke's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roanoke's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huntington County has experienced 2 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 Wabash River, J. Edward Roush Lake, Little River.
Where does Roanoke's water come from?
Roanoke's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,722 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wabash River (river), J. Edward Roush Lake (lake), Little River (river).
What Roanoke residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roanoke'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Roanoke
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roanoke, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MICROPULSE INC COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
SUNOCO LLC - HUNTINGTON HUNTINGTON, IN46750 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
ECOLAB INC HUNTINGTON, IN46750 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
GENERAL ALUMINUM MANUFACTURING CO HUNTINGTON, IN46750 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
GERDAU HUNTINGTON FACILITY HUNTINGTON, IN46750 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Huntington County has experienced 2 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Roanoke compares by contaminant
Explore where Roanoke ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roanoke's water comes from
Roanoke'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 1,722 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Roanoke
Roanoke is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roanoke
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROANOKE WATER WORKS | IN5235009 | 1,722 | GW |
How Roanoke compares
Full Indiana rankings →Roanoke's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Roanoke, IN
Wikipedia →Roanoke is a town in Jackson Township, Huntington County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,762 at the 2020 census. Roanoke is governed by a town council. Town offices include the clerk treasurer, utilities department, police department, and volunteer fire department. The town has a public elementary school. WOWO and WRNP have transmitter towers in Roanoke, along U.S. Highway 24. For many years, television station WPTA was licensed to Roanoke, though that station's studios and transmitter have always been located in nearby Fort Wayne.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roanoke's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huntington
Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke, IN tap water safe to drink?
Roanoke's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #153 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Roanoke's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Roanoke'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 Roanoke?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roanoke's water come from?
Roanoke's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,722 residents.
What health violations has Roanoke's water system had?
Roanoke has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roanoke's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roanoke 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 17 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 Roanoke's water compare to other cities?
Roanoke ranks #153 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 63% of state cities) and #5510 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roanoke's small water system affect quality?
Roanoke's system serves approximately 1,722 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 17 violations on record.