Lafayette Water Works

Lafayette Water Works currently operates two well fields with 13 active wells, mostly ranging from 80 to 100 feet in depth. The water is drawn from a vast buried pre-glacial river valley aquifer, filled with sand and deposits from ancient glacial melt thousands of years ago.

Rainfall and snowmelt naturally replenish this aquifer, percolating through soil layers to maintain a relatively stable water supply. As water travels through ground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can potentially pick up various contaminants. All water sources, including bottled water, reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of these substances doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). Regulatory agencies overseeing water quality include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).

Since 1974, water regulations have become increasingly stringent, and testing methods significantly more precise. Modern technology can detect contaminants at levels less than one part per billion—equivalent to one inch in 15,782 miles or one cent in ten million dollars.

The EPA establishes Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) to ensure public water safety. Lafayette's municipal water meets or exceeds all Federal and State standards with no MCL violations. The EPA also sets non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), representing levels below which no known health risks exist.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, and farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. These individuals should seek medical advice about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing infection risks are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Lafayette Water Works relies exclusively on groundwater wells, not surface water. The treatment process includes adding Chlorine and Ammonium Sulfate for disinfection, Fluoride for dental health, and Phosphate to prevent iron/manganese staining and minimize lead/copper corrosion in plumbing.

Water quality is rigorously monitored with multiple daily tests for Monochloramines, Fluoride, and Phosphate levels. Additionally, 75+ monthly samples from various city locations are tested for bacteria and proper chloramine levels. Overall, Lafayette's water undergoes testing for over 100 variables several times annually at both the Water Works laboratory and independent California labs.

We welcome public participation in community decisions affecting drinking water. The Board of Public Works and Safety meets every Tuesday at 9:00am in City Hall Council Chambers, and the public is invited. Contact Lafayette Water Works at (765) 807-1700 with questions, preferably Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm when full staff is available.

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