Is Van Buren, 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 ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Van Buren, IN — Water Quality Report
Van Buren's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 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 27 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Van Buren's water
Van Buren ranks #300 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Van Buren 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, Van Buren may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Van Buren, IN water safe to drink?
Van Buren's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 864 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Van Buren
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Van Buren's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Van Buren'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
Van Buren's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 6 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 Salamonie River.
Where does Van Buren's water come from?
Van Buren's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 864 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salamonie River (river).
What Van Buren residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Van Buren'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 Van Buren
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Van Buren, 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 | 9.1 mi |
ATLAS FOUNDRY CO INC MARION, IN46952 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
PRYSMIAN CABLES & SYSTEMS USA LLC MARION, IN46953 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
HARTSON-KENNEDY INC MARION, IN46953 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Van Buren
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.
- MARION BRAGG DUMP8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Van Buren'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Van Buren compares by contaminant
Explore where Van Buren ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Van Buren's water comes from
Van Buren'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 864 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Van Buren
Van Buren is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Van Buren
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN BUREN MUNICIPAL UTILITIES | IN5227023 | 864 | GW |
How Van Buren compares
Full Indiana rankings →Van Buren's score of 75/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Van Buren, IN
Wikipedia →Van Buren is a town in Van Buren Township, Grant County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, Van Buren had a population of 790.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Van Buren's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Buren, IN tap water safe to drink?
Van Buren's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #300 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Van Buren's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Van Buren'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 Van Buren?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Van Buren's water come from?
Van Buren's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 864 residents.
What health violations has Van Buren's water system had?
Van Buren has 8 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Van Buren's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Van Buren 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 27 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 Van Buren's water compare to other cities?
Van Buren ranks #300 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 28% of state cities) and #9707 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Van Buren's small water system affect quality?
Van Buren's system serves approximately 864 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 27 violations on record.