Is Silver Lake, 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 ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Silver Lake, IN — Water Quality Report
Silver Lake's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 23 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Silver Lake's water
Silver Lake ranks #121 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Silver Lake 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, Silver Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Silver Lake, IN water safe to drink?
Silver Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,030 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Silver Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Silver Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Silver Lake's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Silver Lake's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kosciusko 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 Eel River.
Where does Silver Lake's water come from?
Silver Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eel River (river).
What Silver Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Silver Lake'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.
Silver Lake'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 Silver Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Silver Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 56 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LOUIS DREYFUS CO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS LLC CLAYPOOL, IN46510 | Methanol | 56 | 3.5 mi |
WARSAW BLACK OXIDE INC BURKET, IN46508 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
TECOMET WARSAW-BUILDING #2 CLAYPOOL, IN46510 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
SPLENDOR BOATS INC. SILVER LAKE, IN46982 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Silver Lake
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.
- LAKELAND DISPOSAL SERVICE INC5.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Kosciusko 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Silver Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Silver Lake ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Silver Lake's water comes from
Silver Lake'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 1,030 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Silver Lake
Silver Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Silver Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER LAKE WATER WORKS | IN5243021 | 1,030 | GW |
How Silver Lake compares
Full Indiana rankings →Silver Lake's score of 87/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Silver Lake, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Silver Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kosciusko
Frequently asked questions
Is Silver Lake, IN tap water safe to drink?
Silver Lake's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #121 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Silver Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Silver Lake'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 Silver Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Silver Lake's water come from?
Silver Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,030 residents.
Is Silver Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Silver Lake 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 23 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 Silver Lake's water compare to other cities?
Silver Lake ranks #121 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 71% of state cities) and #4344 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Silver Lake's small water system affect quality?
Silver Lake's system serves approximately 1,030 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 23 violations on record.