WaterVerge

Is Spiceland, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

969 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5233016
Overall Score
88.8 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#79 of 414 in Indiana Top 21% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.8/100

Spiceland, IN — Water Quality Report

Spiceland's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 969 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 11 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Spiceland's water

Spiceland ranks #79 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Spiceland 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, Spiceland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Spiceland, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Spiceland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 969 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Spiceland

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spiceland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
BLIZZARD OF 96

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 Spiceland's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Spiceland's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2000 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2000 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2000 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 1999 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Henry 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 Blue River, Flatrock River.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3238
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA DR-1109
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-891

Where does Spiceland's water come from?

Spiceland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 969 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 Blue River (river), Flatrock River (river).

What Spiceland residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spiceland's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Spiceland'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

11
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

11 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1999
Sep 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1995
Sep 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1994
Oct 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Jun 1980 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1980
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Spiceland

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spiceland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
GREDE LLC
Primary Metals · GREDE HOLDINGS LLC
NEW CASTLE, IN47362
6.9 mi
NEW CASTLE STAINLESS PLATE LLC
Primary Metals · NEW CASTLE STAINLESS PLATE LLC
NEW CASTLE, IN47362
6.3 mi
BOAR'S HEAD PROVISIONS CO. INC. - NEW CASTLE
Food · BOAR'S HEAD PROVISIONS CO INC
NEW CASTLE, IN47362
3.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Henry 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3238
Apr 1996
BLIZZARD OF 96
Flood FEMA #1109
Jan 1991
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #891

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
969
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Spiceland's water comes from

Groundwater

Spiceland'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 969 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Spiceland

Spiceland is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Big Blue River
river
Flatrock River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Spiceland

System Name PWSID Population Source
SPICELAND MUNICIPAL WATER UTILITY IN5233016 969 GW
Regional Comparison

How Spiceland compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Spiceland's score of 88.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Spiceland (this city)
88.8
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Spiceland, IN

Wikipedia →

Spiceland is a town in Spiceland Township, Henry County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Spiceland had a population of 958.

Economic Profile
$62,292
Median Income
$93,352
Median Home Value
$940/mo
Median Rent
2.9%
Unemployment
Community
31.8
Median Age
272
People / sq mi
11.3%
College Educated
76.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Spiceland, IN tap water safe to drink?

Spiceland's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Spiceland's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.

How is Spiceland'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 Spiceland?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Spiceland's water come from?

Spiceland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 969 residents.

Is Spiceland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Spiceland 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 11 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 Spiceland's water compare to other cities?

Spiceland ranks #79 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 81% of state cities) and #3253 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Spiceland's small water system affect quality?

Spiceland's system serves approximately 969 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 11 violations on record.