WaterVerge

Is Waveland, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

605 residents served 1 water system PWSID: IN5254012
Overall Score
84.8 / 100
Violations
14 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#160 of 414 in Indiana Top 36% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.8/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.8/100

Waveland, IN — Water Quality Report

Waveland's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 605 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 182 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Waveland's water

Waveland ranks #160 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.8 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.8/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Waveland, IN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Waveland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 605 residents using groundwater (wells).

14
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Waveland

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waveland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Waveland's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Waveland's water system has 182 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2004 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2003 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2002 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2001 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Johnson 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 White River, Germania Creek, Neeld Ditch, Eagle Creek, White R..

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

Where does Waveland's water come from?

Waveland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 605 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River (river), Germania Creek (river), Neeld Ditch (river), Eagle Creek (river), White R. (river).

What Waveland residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Waveland'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

182
Total violations
2
Health-based
14
Active / unresolved
Dec 2004
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

182 Total
14 Active
2 Health-based
168 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
142
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Total Coliform Rule
8
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
6
Dec 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2001 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2001
Jun 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 1997
Jan 1996 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1996
Oct 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1995
Showing 20 of 182 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Johnson 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) 2.0 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 4.2 ppb from 1995 (6.2 ppb) to 2024 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
605
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Waveland's water comes from

Groundwater

Waveland'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 605 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Waveland

Waveland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

White River
river
Germania Creek
river
Neeld Ditch
river
Eagle Creek
river
White R.
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Waveland

System Name PWSID Population Source
INDIANA AMERICAN WATER - WAVELAND IN5254012 605 GW
Regional Comparison

How Waveland compares

Full Indiana rankings →

Waveland's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Waveland (this city)
84.8
Fort Wayne
49.5
Evansville
85.2
Indiana avg
70
City Profile

About Waveland, IN

Wikipedia →

Greenwood is a city in Johnson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 63,830 at the 2020 Census. Greenwood is located southeast of central Indianapolis between Interstate 65 and Interstate 69. It is the most populous suburban municipality in the southern portion of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area.

Economic Profile
$59,141
Median Income
$96,312
Median Home Value
$913/mo
Median Rent
6.6%
Unemployment
Community
33.9
Median Age
365
People / sq mi
18.2%
College Educated
87.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Waveland, IN tap water safe to drink?

Waveland's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #160 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.

What contaminants are in Waveland's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 182 violations are on record.

How is Waveland'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 Waveland?

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

Where does Waveland's water come from?

Waveland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 605 residents.

What health violations has Waveland's water system had?

Waveland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2004. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.

Is Waveland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Waveland 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 182 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 Waveland's water compare to other cities?

Waveland ranks #160 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 61% of state cities) and #5700 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Waveland's small water system affect quality?

Waveland's system serves approximately 605 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 182 violations on record.