Is Topeka, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Topeka, IN — Water Quality Report
Topeka's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,178 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Topeka's water
Topeka ranks #33 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Topeka 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, Topeka may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Topeka, IN water safe to drink?
Topeka's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,178 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Topeka
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Topeka's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Topeka's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Topeka's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
LaGrange 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. Local water sources include Waldron Lake, Nb Elkhart River.
Where does Topeka's water come from?
Topeka's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,178 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Waldron Lake (lake), Nb Elkhart River (river).
What Topeka residents can do
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 Topeka
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Topeka, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FOREST RIVER INC. - MILLERSBURG MILLERSBURG, IN46543 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
HUBBARD FEEDS INC SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
LAKEPARK INDUSTRIES OF INDIANA INC SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
RPM INDUSTRIAL COATINGS GROUP INC. DBA FINISHWORKS SHIPSHEWANA, IN46565 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
NISHIKAWA COOPER LLC TOPEKA, IN46571 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
LaGrange 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Topeka compares by contaminant
Explore where Topeka ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Topeka's water comes from
Topeka'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 1,178 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Topeka
Topeka is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Topeka
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPEKA WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5244008 | 1,178 | GW |
How Topeka compares
Full Indiana rankings →Topeka's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Topeka, IN
Wikipedia →Topeka is a town in Clearspring and Eden townships, LaGrange County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Topeka had a population of 1,206. Topeka is located approximately eleven miles south of Shipshewana, Indiana.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Topeka's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lagrange
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka, IN tap water safe to drink?
Topeka's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #33 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Topeka's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Topeka'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 Topeka?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Topeka's water come from?
Topeka's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,178 residents.
Is Topeka's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Topeka 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 8 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 Topeka's water compare to other cities?
Topeka ranks #33 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 92% of state cities) and #1669 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Topeka's small water system affect quality?
Topeka's system serves approximately 1,178 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 8 violations on record.