Richmond Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Indiana American Water – Richmond (PWSID IN5289012) serves approximately 35,000–38,000 residents across Richmond, Indiana and Wayne County. The utility operates surface water intakes from the Middle Fork Reservoir and collector wells beneath the East Fork of the Whitewater River, supplemented by groundwater from twelve wells and two springs distributed across three well fields. The combined raw water supply is treated and distributed from the main service center at 1710 Sylvan Nook Drive, Richmond, IN 47374, serving both the city and surrounding county.

Richmond's supply originates in the Whitewater River watershed, a tributary system flowing through glacially-shaped terrain in east-central Indiana. The underlying geology consists of Paleozoic-era carbonate bedrock—primarily limestone and dolomite formations—which naturally dissolves into groundwater and surface runoff, creating a very hard water supply with elevated mineral content. This carbonate-rich geology is characteristic of the region and typical of Indiana's water systems.

At very hard levels, Richmond's water causes significant scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and pipes, reducing appliance lifespan and efficiency. Residents experience reduced soap effectiveness, spotting on glassware, and higher energy costs due to mineral accumulation. A whole-home water softener is strongly recommended. Third-party assessments note contaminants including hexavalent chromium, radioactive radium, and trihalomethanes; customers are advised to contact American Water (1-800-492-8373) for detailed Consumer Confidence Reports and specific contaminant compliance information.