Arcola, IN: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Arcola, IN water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Arcola Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Arcola Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.52 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Arcola
The structure of water supply in Arcola, IN is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Arcola, Indiana (population ~69), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 269,994 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Arcola — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Arcola: D (40/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Arcola water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Arcola
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46704 | D | FORT WAYNE - 3 RIVERS FILTRATION PLANT | 269,994 |
All ZIP Codes in Arcola
- 46704 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Arcola
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Arcola's Housing Stock?
With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Arcola's housing stock carries a median build year of 1905. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Arcola were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Arcola: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity impact of remediation in Arcola sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Arcola. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 57% below the Indiana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Arcola
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 100% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Arcola address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Arcola
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Arcola, IN