Is Swayzee, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.7/100
waterverge.com Swayzee, IN — Water Quality Report
Swayzee's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 67 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Swayzee's water
Swayzee ranks #369 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Swayzee 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Swayzee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Swayzee, IN water safe to drink?
Swayzee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Swayzee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Swayzee's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Heptachlor epoxide.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-891). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Swayzee's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Swayzee's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grant County has experienced 2 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.
Where does Swayzee's water come from?
Swayzee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 975 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).
What Swayzee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Swayzee'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Swayzee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Swayzee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BAHR BROTHERS MANUFACTURING MARION, IN46952 | Manganese | 15 | 9.7 mi |
CENTRAL INDIANA ETHANOL LLC MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
ATLAS FOUNDRY CO INC MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
WILEY METAL FABRICATING INC. MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
PRYSMIAN CABLES & SYSTEMS USA LLC MARION, IN46953 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Grant County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Swayzee's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 8.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Swayzee compares by contaminant
Explore where Swayzee ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Swayzee's water comes from
Swayzee'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 975 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Swayzee
Swayzee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Swayzee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWAYZEE WATER UTILITY | IN5227020 | 975 | GW |
How Swayzee compares
Full Indiana rankings →Swayzee's score of 56.7/100 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 Swayzee, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Swayzee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Swayzee, IN tap water safe to drink?
Swayzee's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #369 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Swayzee's water?
Lead was measured at 8.5 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Swayzee'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 Swayzee?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Swayzee's water come from?
Swayzee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 975 residents.
Is Swayzee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Swayzee 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 67 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 Swayzee's water compare to other cities?
Swayzee ranks #369 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 11% of state cities) and #12429 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Swayzee's small water system affect quality?
Swayzee's system serves approximately 975 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 67 violations on record.