(WSBT) Flooding is the most frequent and costly disaster in Indiana. Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources presented a new map showing which properties are most at risk. But not everyone is happy with the results.

The new map is part of a two year project to re-examine flood zones in St. Joseph County. There hasn’t been a new flood zone map in the county for 19 years.

While many properties are no longer considered at high risk, several other properties have been added to the list. That means those property owners could be forced to pay.

Andy Smith says he’s never had to deal with major flooding from the creek near his home in Winding Brook.

“It’s covered the irrigation pump back there and that was with a tremendous amount of rain,” explained Smith.

When asked if the water ever entered his home, he said, “Never. Not in the time we’ve been here in six years.”

So you can imagine his surprise when he learned his property is now considered a "special flood hazard area.”

Turns out, he’s not alone. Several property owners showed up to an open house hosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and FEMA to discuss the new flood zone map.

“We’re looking at the flood zones as the 1% chance it will flood in a 100-year flood,” explained Dave Knipe of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

If your property is considered high risk and you have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender, then, by law, you must get flood insurance.

“We've never been required to get flood insurance. This is the first time and we've been there 16 years,” commented property owner Kim Putney.

State officials say it’s all about protecting your belongings.

“Once that water comes in your house, it's pretty devastating,” said Knipe.

However, some property owners aren't convinced their homes should be a part of the high risk list.

“Not when it's going to cost me more money above and beyond our homeowners insurance. I mean it's almost twice as high as our homeowners insurance for the flood insurance, and you can only get it from one source, that's the federal government,” said Smith.

The map is not set in stone. Property owners now have 90 days to file an appeal.

By the end of this year, all counties in Indiana will be in the process of making their own revised flood zone maps.