Is Winslow, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.2/100
waterverge.com Winslow, IN — Water Quality Report
Winslow's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 129 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Winslow's water
Winslow ranks #341 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Winslow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Winslow, IN water safe to drink?
Winslow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Winslow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Winslow's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Winslow'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
Winslow's water system has 129 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pike County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Above Petersburg, White River, Patoka River.
Where does Winslow's water come from?
Winslow's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White River Above Petersburg (river), White River (river), Patoka River (river).
What Winslow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Winslow'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.
Winslow'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 Winslow
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Winslow, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,042 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
IPL PETERSBURG PETERSBURG, IN47567 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 2,042 | 9.7 mi |
STELLA-JONES CORP WINSLOW, IN47598 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Pike County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Winslow'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. | 3.3 | 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. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.610 mg/L (2018)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Winslow compares by contaminant
Explore where Winslow ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Winslow's water comes from
Winslow's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,010 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Winslow
Winslow is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Winslow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINSLOW WATER WORKS | IN5263006 | 1,010 | SWP |
How Winslow compares
Full Indiana rankings →Winslow's score of 68.2/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Winslow, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Winslow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Winslow, IN tap water safe to drink?
Winslow's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #341 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Winslow's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 129 violations are on record.
How is Winslow'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 Winslow?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Winslow's water come from?
Winslow's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 residents.
What health violations has Winslow's water system had?
Winslow has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Winslow's water compare to other cities?
Winslow ranks #341 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 18% of state cities) and #11118 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Winslow's small water system affect quality?
Winslow's system serves approximately 1,010 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 129 violations on record.