South Bend Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for South Bend residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 3 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is South Bend Tap Water Safe to Drink?
South Bend tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •3 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative, not health-related).
- •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.
The data below shows test results from 3 water utilities serving 115K people in the South Bend area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is South Bend Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for South Bend.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your South Bend tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in South Bend
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
3.79 ppb
South Bend lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
3
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
3
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides South Bend's Water?
Utility Name
SOUTH BEND WATER WORKS
EPA System ID (PWSID)
IN5271014
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
115K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Bend tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Indiana
Indianapolis
Very Hard water
Fort Wayne
Very Hard water
Merrillville
Very Hard water
Evansville
Very Hard water
Gary
Very Hard water
Carmel
Very Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology