Is Thorntown, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.2/100
waterverge.com Thorntown, IN — Water Quality Report
Thorntown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 21 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thorntown's water
Thorntown ranks #234 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Thorntown 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, Thorntown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thorntown, IN water safe to drink?
Thorntown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thorntown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thorntown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Thorntown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Thorntown's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Boone 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 Prairie Creek, Sugar Creek.
Where does Thorntown's water come from?
Thorntown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Prairie Creek (river), Sugar Creek (river).
What Thorntown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thorntown'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.
Thorntown'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 Thorntown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Thorntown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HENDRICKSON TRAILER SUSPENSION SYSTEMS LEBANON, IN46052 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
KEN'S FOODS LEBANON LEBANON, IN46052 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
MONOSOL-LEBANON PLANT LEBANON, IN46052 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
STALCOP METAL FORMING LLC THORNTOWN, IN46071 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Boone 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Thorntown'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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thorntown compares by contaminant
Explore where Thorntown ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thorntown's water comes from
Thorntown'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 1,600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Thorntown
Thorntown is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thorntown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THORNTOWN UTILITIES | IN5206005 | 1,600 | GW |
How Thorntown compares
Full Indiana rankings →Thorntown's score of 80.2/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Thorntown, IN
Wikipedia →Thorntown is a town in Sugar Creek Township, Boone County, Indiana. The population was 1,432 at the time of the 2020 census. Thorntown is located in northwestern Boone County, about halfway between Lafayette and Indianapolis.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thorntown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Boone
Frequently asked questions
Is Thorntown, IN tap water safe to drink?
Thorntown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #234 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Thorntown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Thorntown'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 Thorntown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thorntown's water come from?
Thorntown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Thorntown's water system had?
Thorntown has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Thorntown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thorntown 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 21 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 Thorntown's water compare to other cities?
Thorntown ranks #234 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 43% of state cities) and #7976 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Thorntown's small water system affect quality?
Thorntown's system serves approximately 1,600 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 21 violations on record.