Is Sharpsville, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Sharpsville, IN — Water Quality Report
Sharpsville's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 92 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sharpsville's water
Sharpsville ranks #382 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sharpsville 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, Sharpsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sharpsville, IN water safe to drink?
Sharpsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sharpsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sharpsville's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Sharpsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sharpsville's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tipton 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 Wildcat Creek, Cicero Creek.
Where does Sharpsville's water come from?
Sharpsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 553 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wildcat Creek (river), Cicero Creek (river).
What Sharpsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sharpsville'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.
Sharpsville'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 Sharpsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sharpsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HAYNES INTERNATIONAL INC KOKOMO, IN46902 | Nickel | 9 | 7.4 mi |
SYNDICATE SALES INC KOKOMO, IN46901 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
FCA US KOKOMO TRANSMISSION PLANT KOKOMO, IN46902 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
GM COMPONENTS HOLDINGS LLC KOKOMO OPS KOKOMO, IN46902 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
FCA US KOKOMO CASTING PLANT KOKOMO, IN46904 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Sharpsville
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.
- KOKOMO CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER PLUME7.0 mi
- CONTINENTAL STEEL CORP7.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Tipton 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sharpsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Sharpsville ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sharpsville's water comes from
Sharpsville'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 553 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sharpsville
Sharpsville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sharpsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHARPSVILLE WATER UTILITY | IN5280003 | 553 | GW |
How Sharpsville compares
Full Indiana rankings →Sharpsville's score of 50/100 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 Sharpsville, IN
Wikipedia →Sharpsville is a town in Liberty Township, Tipton County, in the U.S. state of Indiana. The community is part of the Kokomo, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Sharpsville had a population of 553.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sharpsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tipton
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharpsville, IN tap water safe to drink?
Sharpsville's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #382 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Sharpsville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Sharpsville'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 Sharpsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sharpsville's water come from?
Sharpsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 553 residents.
What health violations has Sharpsville's water system had?
Sharpsville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sharpsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sharpsville 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 92 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 Sharpsville's water compare to other cities?
Sharpsville ranks #382 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 8% of state cities) and #13193 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sharpsville's small water system affect quality?
Sharpsville's system serves approximately 553 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 92 violations on record.