Is South Whitley, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.7/100
waterverge.com South Whitley, IN — Water Quality Report
South Whitley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,818 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Whitley's water
South Whitley ranks #165 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
South Whitley 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, South Whitley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Whitley, IN water safe to drink?
South Whitley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,818 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Whitley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Whitley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 South Whitley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Whitley's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Whitley 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.
Where does South Whitley's water come from?
South Whitley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,818 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What South Whitley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Whitley'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 South Whitley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Whitley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PARAGON MEDICAL INC PIERCETON, IN46562 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ALUDYNE PIERCETON PIERCETON, IN46562 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
NOVAE LLC-COLUMBIA CITY COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
C & R PLATING CORP COLUMBIA CITY, IN46725 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
NOVAE LLC NORTH MANCHESTER, IN46962 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of South Whitley
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.
- WAYNE WASTE OIL9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Whitley 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Whitley compares by contaminant
Explore where South Whitley ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Whitley's water comes from
South Whitley'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 1,818 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving South Whitley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH WHITLEY MUNICIPAL WATER | IN5292007 | 1,818 | GW |
How South Whitley compares
Full Indiana rankings →South Whitley's score of 84.7/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About South Whitley, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Whitley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Whitley
Frequently asked questions
Is South Whitley, IN tap water safe to drink?
South Whitley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in South Whitley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is South Whitley'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 South Whitley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Whitley's water come from?
South Whitley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,818 residents.
Is South Whitley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Whitley 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 15 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 South Whitley's water compare to other cities?
South Whitley ranks #165 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 60% of state cities) and #5737 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Whitley's small water system affect quality?
South Whitley's system serves approximately 1,818 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 15 violations on record.