US Water Score: A
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
2.74
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Warning |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 16.3 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFBS | 9.6 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below comparison value |
| PFBA | 9.2 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFHxA | 8.3 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Columbus, Indiana (47203) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 89 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Indiana state average of 86. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 51,122 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 4 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison.
A score of 89/100 means public water-system records for Columbus, IN show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Columbus, Indiana receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 89/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 47203 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 51,122 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead was reported at 2.74 ppb in public-system records for Columbus, Indiana. This is below the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb, but may be above more protective health guidance; EPA's future LCRI action level is 10 ppb. Household plumbing can materially change tap-level exposure, so consider certified filtration and individual tap testing, especially where children are present.
4 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Columbus, Indiana, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Columbus, Indiana have received 2 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Columbus, Indiana should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.