ZIP Code 46624 Water Quality & Testing Report
South Bend, IN · St. Joseph County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 46624 (South Bend, IN)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 46624 (South Bend, IN) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (60/100) due to 2 health violation(s) and 4.7 ppb lead. While treated by South Bend Water Works, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
2
Total Violations
14
Lead Risk
Moderate
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact South Bend Water Works for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 46624
Tap water in ZIP code 46624 (South Bend, IN) is distributed by South Bend Water Works (EPA ID: IN5271014), serving approximately 115,000 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 60/100.
Water System
South Bend Water Works
EPA ID: IN5271014
Water Source
Ground Water
Population Served
115,000 residents
County
St. Joseph County County, Indiana
Lead Levels in ZIP 46624
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 4.7 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 46624 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 24% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 46624 is Very Hard (237 mg/L / 13.9 GPG). High concentrations of dissolved limestone minerals cause severe mineral buildup, stiff laundry, dry skin, and premature water heater wear.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: South Bend Water Works · PWSID: IN5271014
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
South Bend Water Works has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 14 total violations over the past 5 years. 6 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 1 DBP Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Ground Water
This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.
Highest potential
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 46624
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 46624 served by South Bend Water Works can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 46624 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
- ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
- ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
- ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 46624 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 46624?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 46624 (South Bend, IN)?+
How hard is the tap water in 46624?+
Should I test private well water in 46624?+
What is the lead level in 46624 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 46624?+
Who provides tap water to 46624?+
What water filter should I use in 46624?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 46624 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 South Bend Water Works. 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 →