FAQs • Porter County, IN • CivicEngage

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Health - Drinking Water

1. Where can I get my water tested?: Jasper County Hospital, LaPorte County Health Department, Microbac Labs, and Utility Service Corp are local laboratories available to do water testing. Please see Indiana State Department of Health's Certified Water Labs for phone numbers and addresses.

In addition, the Indiana State Department of Health can also do water sampling. Please see their website for forms, kits, prices, and ordering information.

2. Can Porter County Health Department test my water?: No. PCHD does not have a certified water lab. All water samples must be taken to one of the certified water labs. Indiana's Certified Water Labs

3. Can I have my water tested for free?: No. All water sampling is fee based by the company doing the testing.

4. What should I have my water tested for?: There are a huge variety of tests available for drinking water. At a minimum, most residential water wells are tested for e.coli, total coliform, nitrate / nitrite, and lead.

5. I am building, buying or selling a home. Am I required to have my water tested?: No. Porter County Health Department does not require any water testing for new construction, existing or change of ownership homes. However, we do recommend testing, but it would be at the owner's expense. Some mortgage companies do require water testing. Please contact your mortgage lender to determine exactly what type of water testing they might require.

6. My water smells really bad. Should I have it tested?: Due to the mineral content surrounding aquifers, it is very difficult to determine what causes water odors. Testing for e.coli and total coliform would be recommended to ensure the absence of fecal bacteria within the water supply. However, this may not stop or determine the cause of the odor.

7. Should I chlorinate my well?: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) provides details concerning when and how to properly chlorinate a well. Directions and information for well chlorination.

8. I live in a town or city. Should I get my water tested?: Most homes or businesses located within town or city limits are connected to a drinking water utility. This type of water system falls under the jurisdiction of Indiana Department of Environmental Management and is regularly sampled. Complaints concerning water derived from water utilities should be directed to Indiana Department of Environmental Management Drinking Water Branch. IDEM Drinking Water Branch

9. Do I need a permit to drill a well?: Yes. They are $25 and the steps for obtaining one are located on our well and septic permits page.

10. I live in town and pay a water bill. Can I drill a well?: No. Because of cross contamination, you cannot have two sources of water in one facility or home. If you are in an area with a water utility or conservancy, then you must remain connected to their service. However, if you are interested in drilling a free standing well to be used for watering a garden or irrigating a lawn, then a well permit could be issued. Well & Septic Permits

11. How can I find my water well location?: The Indiana Department of Natural Resources maintains a water well location record database. Water Well Location Record Database

12. I live in the Town of Pines. Can you answer questions about my water?: The best and most current place to get information about water issues in the Town of Pines would be the US Environmental Protection Agency. US Environmental Protection Agency