Adams County, Indiana
8 ZIP codes · Avg score 53/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Adams County covers 8 ZIP codes and shows a low safety grade — systemic compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the county has not moved out of the bottom tier in recent years.
How Adams County Compares
How Adams County Compares
Adams County scores 7 points below the Indiana state average (60/100) and 15 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Adams County, Indiana
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.5 (asthma 11.7%, diabetes 14.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,100, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.418% avg pipe failure probability, 60% of ZIPs at high risk
67.2% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2022–2023)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Adams County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2022 with 1 violation. Past 5 years: 2 total (2 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,100
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
13,645 housing units in Adams County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Adams County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Adams County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Adams County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Adams County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geneva Water Department | 1,359 | 6 |
| 2 | Decatur Water Department | 9,900 | 5 |
| 3 | Oakwood Community Association, Inc. | 210 | 5 |
| 4 | Riverbend Estates | 50 | 5 |
| 5 | Berne Water Department | 4,388 | 0 |
6 total water systems serve Adams County.
All ZIP Codes in Adams County
8 ZIP codes tracked in Adams County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 46711 | Berne | 70 | B | 0 | $180K |
| 2 | 46740 | Geneva | 63 | C | 6 | $179K |
| 3 | 46772 | Monroe | 62 | C | 0 | $201K |
| 4 | 46782 | Preble | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 5 | 47326 | Bryant | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 6 | 46769 | Linn Grove | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 46780 | Pleasant Mills | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 8 | 46733 | Decatur | 39 | F | 5 (2 health) | $163K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Adams County
Where county records show a lead exceedance or pre-1978 housing concentration, lead-specific filters and test kits move toward the top of the list.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 67.2% of homes built before 1978
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Adams County, Indiana
Overview
Adams County in Indiana covers 8 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (53/100).
2 of 8 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Indiana water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Adams County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
67.2% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.