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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 46356 Water Quality Report

Lowell, IN · Lake County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

3

Total Violations

7

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

3

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 46356

Tap water in ZIP code 46356 (Lowell, IN) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 72/100). Served by Indiana American Water - Lowell, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Indiana American Water - Lowell

EPA ID: IN5245029

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

11,908 residents

County

Lake County County, Indiana

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Lead Levels in ZIP 46356

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 46356 is 1.0 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 46356 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 32% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.00 ppb (0.001 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

32%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Indiana American Water - Lowell has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
7
Health-Based Violations
3
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Indiana American Water - Lowell has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 3 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 46356: Stage 2 DBP Rule, E. coli, Fecal Coliform. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 2 DBP RuleE. coliFecal Coliform

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Indiana American Water - Lowell — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.59%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 46356 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Indiana American Water - Lowell
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 46356 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 46356?+
Yes — tap water in 46356 (Lowell, IN) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 46356 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 46356 is 1.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 46356?+
Tap water in ZIP code 46356 is provided by Indiana American Water - Lowell (EPA ID: IN5245029). This system serves approximately 11,908 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 46356?+
ZIP code 46356 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 46356 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Indiana American Water - Lowell for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 46356?+
Your water utility — Indiana American Water - Lowell — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Indiana American Water - Lowell Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 46356?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 46356, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule and E. coli, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 46356 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 46356 shows a lead level of 1.0 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 46356 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Indiana American Water - Lowell. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →