Is Rosedale, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.7/100
waterverge.com Rosedale, IN — Water Quality Report
Rosedale's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.7 out of 100), indicating poor 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 71 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rosedale's water
Rosedale ranks #368 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rosedale 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, Rosedale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rosedale, IN water safe to drink?
Rosedale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.7/100), 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 Rosedale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rosedale's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Rosedale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rosedale's water system has 71 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Parke 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 Big Raccoon Creek.
Where does Rosedale's water come from?
Rosedale'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 Raccoon Creek (river).
What Rosedale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rosedale'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.
Rosedale'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 Rosedale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rosedale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 110,227 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELANCO CLINTON LABORATORIES CLINTON, IN47842 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 110,176 | 9.8 mi |
AMPACET CORP TERRE HAUTE, IN47804 | Antimony And Antimony Compounds | 51 | 8.8 mi |
DAVE O'MARA CONTRACTOR INC BRAZIL, IN47834 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
GEON PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS LLC TERRE HAUTE, IN47804 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
AMCOR FLEXIBLES N.A. TERRE HAUTE, IN47804 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Parke 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 Rosedale compares by contaminant
Explore where Rosedale ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rosedale's water comes from
Rosedale'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 Rosedale
Rosedale is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rosedale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LYFORD WATER WORKS | IN5261002 | 1,000 | GW |
| ROSEDALE WATER WORKS | IN5261007 | 810 | GW |
How Rosedale compares
Full Indiana rankings →Rosedale's score of 57.7/100 is below the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Rosedale, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rosedale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Parke
Frequently asked questions
Is Rosedale, IN tap water safe to drink?
Rosedale's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #368 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Rosedale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 71 violations are on record.
How is Rosedale'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 Rosedale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rosedale's water come from?
Rosedale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,810 residents.
What health violations has Rosedale's water system had?
Rosedale has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rosedale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rosedale 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 71 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 Rosedale's water compare to other cities?
Rosedale ranks #368 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 11% of state cities) and #12352 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.