Indianapolis Private Well Water Testing Laboratories

Many Indiana residents should question the safety of their drinking water.  If you are supplied water from a public water system, it is regularly tested under Indiana State EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.  However, if you are one of the many Hoosiers whose water comes from a private well, your are responsible for testing and maintaining water quality.
Recommended annual tests include nitrate and coliform bacteria.  Water should be tested for lead if your house was built before 1985 and if young children are present.  Please refer to the Publication "Testing Home Water Supplies", WQ-4 For Publication click here.

You may send your test for water quality to:

1. Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH)
2. Sending it to a commercial lab
3. Buying a home test kit or
4. Participate in screening programs offered by groups

The Indiana State Department of Health offers tests for bacteria, flouride, sodium, nitrate, and nitrite.  To receive a test kit for any of these ($8 each) send a copy of the "Water Test Kit Order" found at Water Test Kit Order Form. For other tests, visit your county Health Department.  Some health Departments do testing locally for a modest fee.  In general, fees are less than $20 for coliform bacteria or nitrate test.  Additional tests are as titled "additional."  Testing pesticides or volatile organic carbon can cost hundreds of dollars.
To help you find a lab, this publication lists Indiana labs currently certified by the ISDH.  Certification expires, so check with the lab about their certification status.  You may also call ISDH to get a current list of certified labs 317.233.8074 or visit this website.  When you contact the lab, confirm that they test water samples from a private well. Most do, but some don't.
The laboratory will usually mail back the sample results wihtin several days or weeks.  Results will include the concentration of the contaminant and whether it exceeds a drinking water quality standard.  The EPA's Hotline (1-800/426-4791) answers questions related to water testing, treatment, health concerns, and other topics related to drinking water. The Indiana Department of Environmenta Management Ground Water Section (317.240.6216) can provide information on what to do if suspect contamination of your ground water.

References:
Jane Frankenberger, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and David Nauth, Indiana Department of Health