Homer, IN: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Homer, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by IN EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Homer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Homer Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.28 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Homer
With one provider handling most of Homer's residential supply in IN, water service accountability is concentrated in a single utility among the 1 system on record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Homer, Indiana (population ~106), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,096 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Homer — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Homer: 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
Homer water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Homer
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46146 | D | ST. PAUL MUNICIPAL WATER | 1,096 |
All ZIP Codes in Homer
- 46146 [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 Homer
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 Homer's Housing Stock?
With 62% 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
While newer cities carry lower aggregate plumbing risk from lead-era construction, Homer sits firmly in the older category. The median build year of 1952 indicates that more than half the housing stock was built before 1986, when lead solder was still legally used in residential copper plumbing — and a substantial portion likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still commonly installed for service lines. These two thresholds together define the elevated plumbing risk environment that older housing cities carry, independent of what the municipal water supply delivers to the meter.
Over half of homes in Homer 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.
Homer: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Homer, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Homer are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% below the Indiana average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Homer
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 62% of Homer stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Homer
- 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 62% 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 Homer, IN