Is Rockport, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Rockport, IN — Water Quality Report
Rockport's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,520 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 134 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rockport's water
Rockport ranks #174 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rockport 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, Rockport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rockport, IN water safe to drink?
Rockport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,520 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rockport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rockport's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Rockport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rockport's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Spencer County has experienced 5 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 Ohio River.
Where does Rockport's water come from?
Rockport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,520 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Rockport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rockport'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.
Rockport'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 Rockport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rockport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,155,658 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL CORP (ROCKPORT WORKS ) ROCKPORT, IN47635 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 8,138,806 | 4.6 mi |
OWENSBORO GRAIN BIODIESEL LLC OWENSBORO, KY42301 | Methanol | 11,777 | 8.8 mi |
ROCKPORT PLANT ROCKPORT, IN47635 | Ammonia | 5,060 | 3.3 mi |
VALOR LLC OWENSBORO, KY42303 | Xylene (mixed isomers) | 15 | 8.2 mi |
PVS TECHNOLOGIES INC GRANDVIEW, IN47615 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Rockport
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GREEN RIVER DISPOSAL INC4.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSpencer County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Spencer County has experienced 5 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rockport compares by contaminant
Explore where Rockport ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rockport's water comes from
Rockport'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 2,520 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rockport
Rockport is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rockport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKPORT WATER | IN5274007 | 2,520 | GW |
How Rockport compares
Full Indiana rankings →Rockport's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Rockport, IN
Wikipedia →Rockport is a city in Ohio Township and the county seat of Spencer County, Indiana, along the Ohio River. The population was 1,984 at the 2020 census. Once the largest community in Spencer County, the city has recently been surpassed by the town of Santa Claus. At 37°53'1" north, Rockport is also the southernmost city in the state, located slightly south of Evansville, Cannelton, or Mount Vernon.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rockport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Spencer
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockport, IN tap water safe to drink?
Rockport's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #174 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Rockport's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Rockport'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 Rockport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rockport's water come from?
Rockport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,520 residents.
What health violations has Rockport's water system had?
Rockport has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rockport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rockport 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 134 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 Rockport's water compare to other cities?
Rockport ranks #174 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 58% of state cities) and #6044 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rockport's small water system affect quality?
Rockport's system serves approximately 2,520 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 134 violations on record.