COUNTY REPORT IN

DeKalb County, Indiana

6 ZIP codes · Avg score 76/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-03

The 6 water systems serving DeKalb County show strong compliance with federal drinking water standards.

How DeKalb County Compares

DeKalb County76/100
Indiana avg60/100
National avg68/100

How DeKalb County Compares

B
County Grade
76/100
Avg Safety Score
6
ZIP Codes
13
Water Systems

DeKalb County scores 16 points above the Indiana state average (60/100) and 8 points above the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

B
County Grade
76
Avg Safety Score
6
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 46730 (88/100)
Lowest ZIP: 46785 (60/100)
$180K
Median Home Value
$1,650
Avg Remediation (92% of home value)

ZIP Code Risk Map

Water Quality Map: DeKalb County, Indiana

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 14.7 (asthma 11.2%, diabetes 12.8%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,387, driven primarily by flood

Infrastructure: 0.435% avg pipe failure probability, 67% of ZIPs at high risk

64.7% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

Violation History (2022–2025)

↑ Worsening trend

EPA violation counts by year across DeKalb County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.

2022
1 (1 health)
2023
1 (1 health)
2024
3 (3 health)
2025
1 (1 health)

Peak year: 2024 with 3 violations. Past 5 years: 6 total (6 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.

Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 11.2% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 12.8% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 43.7% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1974
Median Build Year
64.7%
Pre-1978 Housing
44%
Pipe Failure Probability
67%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
Low
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,387

Flood $400/yr
Sea Level Rise $400/yr
Water / Lead $317/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

16,853 housing units in DeKalb County

Pre-1940 25%
1940–1959 11%
1960–1979 19%
1980–1999 26%
2000+ 19%

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 DeKalb County

$180K
Median Home Value
$1,650
Est. Remediation Cost
0.9%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value low burden

Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in DeKalb 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 DeKalb County residents

Asthma 11.2% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 12.8% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 43.7% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 5 systems in DeKalb County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Waterloo Water Works 2,242 14
2 Ashley Water Department 983 12
3 Butler Water Department 2,700 11
4 Auburn Water Department 12,800 10
5 St. Joe Water Department 460 9

13 total water systems serve DeKalb County.

All ZIP Codes in DeKalb County

6 ZIP codes tracked in DeKalb County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 46730 Corunna 88 A 1 $279K
2 46738 Garrett 86 A 4 (1 health) $156K
3 46793 Waterloo 75 B 9 (2 health) $178K
4 46706 Auburn 74 B 4 $195K
5 46721 Butler 74 B 2 $124K
6 46785 Saint Joe 60 C 0 $182K

Recommended Buyer Guides for DeKalb County

Four sources — EPA, NSF, FEMA, CDC — drive the match.

Overview

DeKalb County in Indiana covers 6 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (76/100).

5 of 6 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations have been documented.

← Back to Indiana water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County receives a grade of B, indicating generally safe tap water across its 6 ZIP codes.
How many water systems serve DeKalb County?
DeKalb County is served by 13 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 6 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in DeKalb County?
The primary environmental risk factor in DeKalb County is flood. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $1,387 per homeowner.
How old are homes in DeKalb County?
The median home build year in DeKalb County is 1974. 64.7% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does DeKalb County compare to Indiana?
DeKalb County has an average water safety score of 76/100, which is above the Indiana state average of 60/100.

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