Water Quality: Salem, IN
2 water systems • 16,813 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Salem is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 16,813 people, and has 162 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 103 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Salem's violation count is 275% above the national average for Indiana. Contaminants associated with violations include E. coli, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EAST WASHINGTON RURAL WATER | IN5288002 | Surface Water | 8,613 | 32 |
| SALEM WATER WORKS | IN5288005 | Surface Water | 8,200 | 130 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Indiana
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.