Fort Wayne, IN: 43 Health Violations — 64/100 (2026)
43 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Fort Wayne vary in performance across IN benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Fort Wayne Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Fort Wayne, IN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Fort Wayne's 43 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Fort Wayne Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 559 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0026 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,244 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.52 — above typical levels.
Fort Wayne's Water Providers
Water supply in Fort Wayne, IN follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 8 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 43 ZIP codes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 333,026 people.
43 of 43 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 43 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fort Wayne: C (64/100)
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
Fort Wayne water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0026 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 43 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 264 | 43 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 220 | 43 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 44 | 43 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 44 | 43 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46801 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46802 | D | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46803 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46804 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46805 | D | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46806 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46807 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46808 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46809 | D | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
| 46814 | C | 13 | 1 | Fort Wayne - 3 Rivers Filtration Plant |
All ZIP Codes in Fort Wayne
- 46801 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46802 [D] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46803 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46804 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46805 [D] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46806 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46807 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46808 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46809 [D] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46814 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46815 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46816 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46818 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46819 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46825 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46835 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46845 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46850 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46851 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46852 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46853 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46854 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46855 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46856 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46857 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46858 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46859 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46860 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46861 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46862 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46863 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46864 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46865 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46866 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46867 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46868 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46869 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46885 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46895 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46896 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46897 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46898 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
- 46899 [C] — 13 violations ⚠
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.
Fort Wayne Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Fort Wayne's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Fort Wayne
Given current Fort Wayne property values, the remediation share falls in the moderate tier — an indicator that the household financial perspective here calls for advance planning rather than dismissal, with most homeowners positioned to address documented issues through deliberate budgeting rather than needing to treat remediation as a significant equity event or financial emergency.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Fort Wayne. The estimated $1,434–$3,226 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 12% below the Indiana average.
Fort Wayne: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Lead risk in Fort Wayne appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Fort Wayne: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Fort Wayne's NFIP record reflects high flood exposure — 1595 claims spanning a long history of significant events, with 37% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones. High flood frequency increases the probability of water quality disruptions at each point in the supply chain: treatment facilities, transmission infrastructure, and private wells all face elevated stress risk when flooding is a recurring feature rather than a rare exception.
Fort Wayne has a significant flood history with 1,595 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $11,214 per claim. With 37% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,244</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Fort Wayne
- 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. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Fort Wayne's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fort Wayne, IN