Is Shipshewana, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Shipshewana, IN — Water Quality Report
Shipshewana's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 918 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 109 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shipshewana's water
Shipshewana ranks #137 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Shipshewana 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, Shipshewana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shipshewana, IN water safe to drink?
Shipshewana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 918 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shipshewana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shipshewana's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shipshewana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shipshewana's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
LaGrange County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Pigeon River.
Where does Shipshewana's water come from?
Shipshewana's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 918 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pigeon River (river).
What Shipshewana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shipshewana'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 Shipshewana
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shipshewana, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 24,508 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MIDDLEBURY CHEESE CO MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 24,508 | 3.5 mi |
FOREST RIVER INC. COACHMEN DIV MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
CLAYTON MIDDLEBURY MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
JAYCO INC. MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
LIPPERT COMPONENTS INC PLANT 28 MIDDLEBURY, IN46540 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
LaGrange County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Shipshewana compares by contaminant
Explore where Shipshewana ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shipshewana's water comes from
Shipshewana'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 918 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Shipshewana
Shipshewana is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shipshewana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHIPSHEWANA WATER WORKS | IN5244006 | 703 | GW |
| LAKESIDE MANOR MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5244002 | 215 | GW |
How Shipshewana compares
Full Indiana rankings →Shipshewana's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Shipshewana, IN
Wikipedia →Shipshewana is a town in Newbury Township, LaGrange County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Shipshewana had a population of 839. It is the location of the Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum, which showcases the history of the Amish and Mennonite peoples.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shipshewana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lagrange
Frequently asked questions
Is Shipshewana, IN tap water safe to drink?
Shipshewana's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #137 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Shipshewana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.
How is Shipshewana'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 Shipshewana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shipshewana's water come from?
Shipshewana's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 918 residents.
What health violations has Shipshewana's water system had?
Shipshewana has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shipshewana's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shipshewana 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 109 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 Shipshewana's water compare to other cities?
Shipshewana ranks #137 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 67% of state cities) and #4881 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.