Indiana has a serious water problem. Pollution, old pipes, and untreated sewage put drinking water at risk. Many people assume it is safe, but hidden dangers like bacteria, industrial waste, and harmful chemicals flow through taps across the state. Even treated water can contain contaminants that impact health over time.
Cities like Indianapolis struggle with failing systems, while rural areas rely on private wells that may not be tested regularly. Heavy rain causes sewage to overflow into rivers, and farm runoff adds dangerous chemicals. Water safety is a growing concern, and knowing what is in your water is the first step to protecting yourself.
Sources of Drinking Water
Clean drinking water starts with natural sources that supply homes, businesses, and industries. In Indiana, public water systems rely on a combination of surface water and groundwater.
Private wells also serve many residents, but they require individual maintenance and testing. The quality of these sources directly impacts the safety of tap water.
Main Sources for Public Systems
Most public systems in the state draw from rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater wells. In Indianapolis, the primary sources include:
- White River and Fall Creek – Major surface water sources supplying treatment plants.
- Morse Reservoir and Geist Reservoir – Provide additional water for the White River and Fall Creek plants.
- Eagle Creek Reservoir – The main supply for the T.W. Moses treatment plant.
- Groundwater Wells – Supplement the supply, especially during dry conditions.
Citizens Energy Group operates multiple treatment plants to ensure these sources meet safety standards. However, challenges like runoff pollution and industrial waste threaten quality before treatment begins.
Private Wells and Individual Responsibility
About 25% of residents rely on private wells instead of public systems. Unlike city water, private wells are not regulated, meaning well owners must regularly test and maintain their supply. Contaminants such as nitrates, arsenic, and bacteria can seep into groundwater, especially near agricultural areas or old industrial sites.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) provides resources for well testing, but many owners fail to check their water regularly.
How Treatment Plants Work
Water treatment varies based on its source. Groundwater undergoes aeration and filtration to remove dissolved minerals like iron and manganese. Surface water requires additional steps:
- Coagulation and Flocculation – Chemicals help particles clump together for easier removal.
- Sedimentation – Heavy particles settle at the bottom, leaving cleaner water above.
- Filtration – Remaining impurities are removed through fine-grain filters.
- Disinfection – Chlorine and ultraviolet (UV) light kill bacteria and other pathogens.
- Fluoridation – Fluoride is added to protect against tooth decay.
Despite this process, some contaminants still remain in treated water, and new pollutants like PFAS chemicals are not always removed effectively.
Major Contaminants Affecting Quality
The pollution remains one of the biggest threats to public health. Indiana has more miles of impaired rivers than any other state, making many water sources unsafe for drinking, fishing, or swimming. Industrial waste, farm runoff, and outdated sewer systems contribute to contamination, allowing dangerous substances to enter the water supply.
Bacteria and Disease-Causing Microorganisms
Testing by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) shows high levels of E. coli in many lakes and rivers. These bacteria come from human and animal waste, often due to:
- Livestock manure running off into streams.
- Failing septic systems leaking sewage into the ground.
- Heavy rain overwhelming sewer systems, causing raw sewage overflows.
High E. coli levels make water unsafe for swimming and increase the risk of illness when consumed without proper treatment.
Industrial and Chemical Contaminants
Factories, refineries, and small businesses like dry cleaners and gas stations have polluted Indiana’s groundwater for decades. Some of the most concerning pollutants include:
- PFAS (forever chemicals) – Linked to cancer and immune system damage, these chemicals do not break down in nature.
- Arsenic – A naturally occurring toxic metal found in some wells and groundwater.
- Chromium – An industrial pollutant and known carcinogen, detected in Indianapolis water at levels four times higher than recommended safety limits.
- Radium – A radioactive metal associated with cancer risks, detected at 20 times the recommended limit.
Agricultural Runoff and Pesticides
Farm fertilizers and pesticides wash into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, introducing harmful chemicals into drinking water sources. The most common contaminants include:
- Nitrates – Found in fertilizers and animal waste, nitrates can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase cancer risk. Indianapolis water has been found to exceed recommended safety levels by more than six times.
- Atrazine – A pesticide banned in the European Union but still widely used in the United States, linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
Even after treatment, some of these chemicals remain in the water at levels that meet legal standards but may still pose long-term health risks.
Challenges Facing Public Systems
Public water systems are responsible for supplying safe drinking water, but many face serious challenges that threaten water quality. Aging infrastructure, combined sewer overflows, and inadequate treatment facilities make it difficult to keep water free from contamination.
Heavy rains and increasing pollution levels add further strain, making it harder for utilities to meet safety standards. The same thing occurs for air pollution in the state.
Aging Infrastructure and Failing Systems
Many of the pipes and treatment plants used in public systems are decades old. Some were built more than a century ago and were never designed to handle the pollution levels seen today. Key problems include:
- Old lead pipes – Many systems still rely on outdated pipes that can leach lead into drinking water.
- Cracked or corroded pipes – Damaged pipes allow bacteria and chemicals to seep into the supply.
- Sewage leaks and overflows – Some treatment plants cannot handle heavy rain, leading to raw sewage mixing with water sources.
Combined Sewer Overflows and Pollution
Many cities in Indiana use combined sewer systems, where stormwater and sewage share the same pipes. During heavy rain, these systems become overwhelmed, leading to direct sewage discharge into rivers and lakes. This problem affects major waterways like the White River and Eagle Creek, introducing:
- Human waste and bacteria – High levels of E. coli make water unsafe for recreation and drinking.
- Pharmaceuticals and chemicals – Sewage contains substances that standard treatment methods do not fully remove.
- Excess nutrients – Untreated waste fuels algae blooms, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
Inadequate Treatment for Emerging Contaminants
Most treatment plants were designed to remove bacteria and basic pollutants, but many modern contaminants pass through the system. Key concerns include:
- PFAS chemicals – Known as forever chemicals, these substances are resistant to traditional filtration.
- Microplastics – Tiny plastic particles found in nearly all water supplies, with unknown health effects.
- Disinfection by-products (DBPs) – Chemicals formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter, some of which have been linked to cancer.
Health Risks Linked to Contamination
Contamination can have serious consequences for human health. Some effects are immediate, while others develop after years of exposure. Certain groups, including infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, face even greater risks.
Immediate Health Effects
Drinking or coming into contact with polluted water can cause:
- Gastrointestinal illnesses – Bacteria like E. coli and viruses can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Skin and eye infections – Exposure to contaminated water increases the risk of rashes, irritation, and infections.
- Respiratory problems – Breathing in vapor containing harmful chemicals or bacteria can trigger asthma and lung infections.
Long-Term Health Effects from Chemical Exposure
Many contaminants found do not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to serious health problems over time. Some of the most dangerous substances include:
- Lead – Affects brain development in children, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral issues.
- PFAS chemicals – Linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune system suppression.
- Nitrates – Can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, posing a risk to infants.
- Disinfection by-products – Associated with bladder cancer and reproductive problems.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of water contamination. Groups at higher risk include:
- Infants and young children – Their developing bodies are more sensitive to pollutants like lead and nitrates.
- Pregnant women – Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications.
- Elderly individuals – Weakened immune systems make infections and chronic illnesses more dangerous.
- People with pre-existing conditions – Those with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases face greater risks from bacteria and toxins.
Gaps in Regulations and Safety Standards
Some contaminants remain unregulated, while others are allowed at levels higher than what health experts recommend.
Differences Between Legal Limits and Actual Safety
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets limits on over 90 pollutants in drinking water, but thousands of chemicals exist in water supplies across the country. Some of the biggest concerns include:
- PFAS chemicals – Known carcinogens that have been found in drinking water for decades, but enforceable limits are still not in place.
- Microplastics – Tiny plastic particles found in nearly all tap water, but no regulations exist.
- Disinfection by-products (DBPs) – Allowed within certain limits, but long-term exposure has been linked to cancer.
How Outdated Policies Fail to Address Emerging Threats
The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, focused on reducing industrial waste and sewage pollution. While it led to improvements, it does not regulate many modern threats, such as:
- Runoff pollution – Agricultural chemicals and stormwater runoff remain largely unregulated.
- Pharmaceutical waste – Medications and chemicals from household products enter waterways with no limits in place.
- Climate change effects – Increased rainfall and flooding overwhelm treatment plants, making contamination more common.
Enforcement Challenges and Inconsistent Oversight
Even when regulations exist, they are not always enforced. Some common problems include:
- Infrequent testing – Some contaminants are tested only once per year or less.
- Limited penalties – Systems that violate standards often face small fines, leading to continued issues.
- Lack of public awareness – Many residents are not informed when violations occur, leaving them exposed to risks.
Steps to Ensure Safe Drinking Water
Concerns about contamination and outdated regulations make it important for people to take steps to protect themselves. While water treatment plants remove many harmful substances, additional measures can help reduce risks further.
Testing Options for Public Supply and Private Wells
Regular testing is the best way to know what is in drinking water. Different options are available depending on the water source:
- Public water supply – Residents can check water quality reports from their local utility or use independent testing kits to check for contaminants.
- Private wells – Well owners should test for bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals at least once per year. Free or low-cost testing is available through some local health departments.
- Professional laboratory analysis – Provides detailed results on a wide range of contaminants but may be more expensive.
Effective Filtration Methods for Removing Contaminants
Not all filters remove the same contaminants. Choosing the right filtration system depends on the specific pollutants present. Different methods target different impurities, so understanding their strengths and limitations is essential for ensuring safer drinking water.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are one of the most common types of filtration. These filters use porous carbon material to trap contaminants as water passes through. They are highly effective in removing:
- Chlorine and chloramine – Common disinfectants in municipal supplies that can produce harmful by-products.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – Chemicals from industrial pollution, household cleaners, and pesticides that can pose health risks.
- Some heavy metals – Lead, mercury, and copper can be reduced depending on the filter’s quality.
Activated carbon filters are available in pitcher models, faucet attachments, and under-sink systems. However, they do not remove all contaminants, including nitrates, bacteria, and dissolved minerals. Regular replacement is necessary to maintain effectiveness.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective filtration methods. They use a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including:
- PFAS (forever chemicals) – Persistent industrial pollutants linked to cancer and other health problems.
- Nitrates and nitrites – Common in agricultural runoff and harmful, especially for infants.
- Arsenic and chromium – Toxic heavy metals that can seep into groundwater.
- Fluoride – Often added to municipal water, but some people prefer to remove it.
RO systems typically include multiple stages of filtration, combining sediment and carbon filters with the membrane for maximum purification. They are installed under the sink or as whole-house systems. However, they waste some water during the process and remove beneficial minerals, requiring remineralization in some cases.
Water Softeners
Water softeners are designed to address hard water, which contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause scaling in pipes, damage appliances, and reduce the effectiveness of soap. They work by:
- Ion exchange process – Replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium.
- Preventing mineral buildup – Protecting plumbing, water heaters, and dishwashers.
- Improving soap lathering – Making cleaning and bathing more effective.
While water softeners help with hard water issues, they do not remove harmful contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, or industrial chemicals. Many homeowners use them alongside other filtration methods for comprehensive water treatment.
Distillation Units
Distillation is one of the oldest water purification methods, using heat to convert water into steam, leaving contaminants behind. This process effectively removes:
- Heavy metals – Lead, arsenic, and mercury, which are hazardous even at low levels.
- Bacteria and viruses – Pathogens that can cause illnesses.
- Dissolved solids – Salts, nitrates, and other impurities.
Distillation produces highly purified water, but it has drawbacks. The process is slow, requires significant energy, and removes beneficial minerals. It is often used in combination with other filtration methods to ensure both purity and mineral balance.
Simple Actions to Reduce Pollution
Preventing contamination at the source helps protect public supplies. Some steps individuals can take include:
- Proper disposal of chemicals and medications – Never pour household chemicals or medications down the drain.
- Reducing fertilizer and pesticide use – Minimizing lawn and garden chemicals helps prevent runoff pollution.
- Fixing leaks and maintaining plumbing – Prevents contaminants from entering water through damaged pipes.
- Supporting stronger water protections – Advocating for better policies and funding for infrastructure improvements can lead to long-term improvements.
Conclusion
Water quality remains one of the most pressing issues facing communities across the state. While public water systems work to meet safety standards, aging infrastructure, pollution, and gaps in regulations leave many residents exposed to potential risks.
Industrial waste, farm runoff, and untreated sewage continue to contaminate lakes, rivers, and groundwater, making clean water harder to maintain.
Drinking water may meet legal requirements, but that does not always mean it is completely safe. Many harmful substances remain unregulated or are allowed at levels that exceed health-based recommendations. Bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals pose long-term risks, affecting vulnerable populations the most.
Protecting water quality requires both individual action and systemic change. Regular testing, proper filtration, and responsible environmental policies and practices can help reduce risks at home.
At the same time, stronger regulations, improved treatment methods, and infrastructure upgrades are needed to ensure clean, safe water for future generations. Without these efforts, water quality concerns will only continue to grow.