Indiana’s Water Quality Crisis: The Contaminants Threatening Your Family’s Health in 2024
Indiana faces a mounting water quality crisis that puts millions of residents at risk. Recent studies reveal that Indiana has the most polluted rivers and streams of any state, with 24,687 miles of rivers and streams listed as impaired for recreation and swimming. As we navigate 2024, understanding the most common water contaminants affecting Hoosier households has become more critical than ever.
The Top Water Contaminants Plaguing Indiana in 2024
Testing of water quality in lakes and rivers by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) show that our most prevalent challenge is high levels of E coli, which are bacteria from animal and human feces. However, Indiana’s water contamination issues extend far beyond bacterial concerns.
PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals” Crisis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as one of the most concerning contaminants in Indiana’s water supply. The state found harmful PFAS in the treated drinking water at 10 Indiana utilities in its first round of testing. Most of them are in southern and central Indiana. These chemicals are particularly dangerous because exposure to them has been linked to kidney cancer, problems with the immune system, and developmental issues in children.
Since February 2021, IDEM facilitated PFAS monitoring at all Community Public Water Systems (CWS) throughout the state of Indiana. Samples were collected at all raw water (wells and intakes) and finished (after treatment) water points in a CWS’s supply. The purpose of the sampling program is to evaluate the statewide occurrence of PFAS compounds in CWS across the state and determine the efficacy of conventional drinking water treatment for PFAS.
Lead Contamination from Aging Infrastructure
Indiana’s aging water infrastructure presents significant lead contamination risks. Citizens received approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in 2022 to begin implementing a lead service line replacement program for customers. This program enables Citizens to replace all customer-owned lead-containing service lines within its service territory, estimated to be between 55,000 and 75,000.
Heavy Metals and Chemical Contaminants
Indianapolis water quality faces multiple challenges beyond PFAS and lead. There are also problems with elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, radium, nitrates, and pesticides like atrazine. Arsenic is carcinogenic and is known to cause damage to the brain, central nervous system, skin, and blood vessels. It’s a common contaminant in U.S. public drinking water because it can occur naturally in groundwater.
Hard Water and Mineral Issues
As is common with water in this region, Citizens’ water is considered “hard” due to the natural levels of the minerals calcium and magnesium. While not immediately dangerous, hard water causes long-term damage to appliances and plumbing systems.
Effective Water Treatment Solutions
Fortunately, modern water treatment technology can effectively address these contaminants. Professional water filtration service providers offer comprehensive solutions tailored to Indiana’s specific water quality challenges.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis is a proven technology for treating PFAS-contaminated drinking water. It removes more than 99% of PFAS from water. Additionally, reverse osmosis removes Chromium 6, Arsenic, Lead, Nitrate and plethora of other contaminants.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water supplies. GAC has been shown to effectively remove PFAS from drinking water when it is used in a flow through filter mode after particulates have already been removed.
Ion Exchange Systems
PFAS can be removed from water through reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, and ion exchange. Ion exchange systems are particularly effective for removing nitrates and certain PFAS compounds.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Aqua Otter, serving Hamilton County and surrounding areas, understands Indiana’s unique water challenges. Unlike big box stores and online retailers, when you purchase a water treatment system from Aqua Otter, you can rest assured that it will actually fix the problems with your water and will be sized right for your family’s water usage. You’ll also have the same company professionally installing and maintaining your system for peak efficiency and maximum improvement of your water quality.
The company’s commitment to quality is evident in their certifications and warranties. With a commitment to excellence, we provide state-of-the-art, salt-free water conditioners and whole house filtration systems that are made in the USA and built to last. Backed by certifications like ISO-9001 and the Water Quality Association, our products offer unmatched reliability.
Taking Action for Your Family’s Health
With our public drinking water systems source their water from Indiana’s rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater so they are sensitive to pollution problems. In a 2015 survey, 80% of Indiana drinking water utilities said they had had trouble with poor quality source water, homeowners cannot rely solely on municipal treatment.
The time to act is now. Indiana water quality, including the watersheds Indianapolis relies on, suffers from pollutants such as E.coli from human and animal waste, toxic algae, industrial contaminants like PFAS, and more. Indiana is working hard on cleanup efforts, but they still have a long way to go.
Professional water treatment systems provide the most reliable protection against Indiana’s diverse water contaminants. From PFAS and lead to hard water minerals and bacterial contamination, comprehensive filtration systems ensure your family has access to clean, safe drinking water regardless of what’s happening with the broader water infrastructure.
Don’t wait for government solutions that may take years to implement. Protect your family’s health today with proven water treatment technology designed specifically for Indiana’s water quality challenges.