Forms & Resources
Record of Water Well (Form #35680)
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days.
Download Form ↗License Application (Form #00417)
Initial license application for water well driller or pump installer.
Download Form ↗All IDNR Forms
- Form #35680: Record of Water Well (Well Log)
- Form #00417: Application for Water Well Driller's License
- Form #54440: Plumber Registration (for small-diameter wells ≤1¼")
- Form #54446: Continuing Education Course Approval Application
- Forms #51039, #57632: Floodway permit notifications
Online Submission: Submit well reports through the IDNR Water Well Record Database or mail/upload signed reports to IDNR Division of Water.
Licensing Requirements
Indiana requires licensed drillers and pump installers per IC 25-39 and 312 IAC 13. Anyone operating drilling equipment must be licensed.
License Requirements
- Must be ≥18 years old
- Pass the IDNR competency exam
- Provide three references (2 must be licensed drillers/pumpers or plumbers)
- Pay $100 license fee
- Renew annually by Dec 31
License Fees
Continuing Education
Exam Information
IDNR provides free study materials and schedules 2+ exams per year. Exam fee is $25. After IDNR approves your application, you'll be scheduled for the competency exam.
Lapsed License
If your license lapses for more than 1 year, you must re-take the competency exam AND complete 6 hours of CE before you can renew. Keep your license current to avoid this.
Reporting & Documentation
Well Report Requirements
The well report (Form #35680) must include:
- Drilling method and intended use (domestic, irrigation, monitoring, etc.)
- Pump test data (if conducted)
- Casing and screen specifications (sizes, materials, depths)
- Total depth and static water level
- Owner and driller information
- Detailed stratigraphy (formation descriptions)
- Grouting and sealing information
- Signature attesting accuracy
Online Submission
All well records are maintained in the IDNR Water Well Record Database. You can search filed well logs at https://secure.in.gov/dnr/water/
Construction Standards (312 IAC 13)
Casing Requirements
Capping
Always cap or seal the top of casing until pumps are set to prevent contaminants from entering the well. Surround casing with earth/concrete to divert surface runoff.
Grouting/Sealing Standards
Disinfection (Required)
After construction, disinfect with ≥100 ppm chlorine solution. IDNR provides dosage tables (typically ~3 cups bleach per 100 gal of water). Ensure the chlorine solution contacts all casing walls before capping.
Dosage Example: For a 6-inch diameter well, 100 feet deep, use approximately 2 cups (16 oz) of household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per 100 gallons of water. Consult IDNR dosage tables (312 IAC 13-9-1) for specific calculations.
Setback Requirements
Site wells "as far as practicable" from known contamination sources per 312 IAC 13-3-2:
- Sanitary sewers
- Septic tanks and leachfields
- Feedlots and livestock yards
- Manure piles and storage
- Farm ponds
- Land-applied waste
- Petroleum tanks and chemical sources
Local Requirements
While state code requires "as far as practicable" setbacks, local health departments may impose specific numeric distances. Always check with the county health department for local requirements before siting a well.
Permits
Well Drilling Permits
Indiana does not have a statewide drilling permit process for water wells. A licensed driller may drill on private property without additional state permit.
However, most counties require permits from local health departments:
- Typical permit fee: ~$50
- Processing time: 3–14 days
- Application may be completed by driller or homeowner
- Health department reviews and approves before drilling
High-Capacity Wells (SWWF)
A Significant Water Withdrawal Facility (SWWF) is any system that can withdraw ≥100,000 gal/day. Owners must:
- Register with IDNR within 3 months of beginning operation (no fee)
- Report annual withdrawal volumes within 3 months after each year's end
- Follow approved metering methods (IDNR Information Bulletin #40)
Floodplain/Floodway Permits
If drilling in regulated flood zones (IC 14-28-1), consult local floodplain officials. IDNR Forms #51039 and #57632 cover floodway notifications.
Special: Plumber Registration
Licensed plumbers (IC 25-28.5) may install small-diameter wells (≤1¼") but MUST register with IDNR first (Form #54440). No separate license exam needed for plumbers.
Wellhead Protection Areas
Before drilling, check IDEM/IDNR maps for Wellhead Protection Areas (WHP). Drilling inside a protected zone could endanger public water. Contact local water supplier or IDNR for guidance.
Drilling Conditions by Region
Northern Indiana (Glacial Drift)
- Glacial till over Silurian/Devonian rocks
- Typical depths: 150–250 ft to basal gravel
- Watch for boulders and cobbles (stall bits)
- Arsenic common in glacial deposits
- Artesian flows possible in buried sands (e.g., Madison, Dekalb counties)
Central Indiana (Limestone)
- Salem and Borden limestones
- Typical depths: 80–150 ft
- Karst features (caves, sinkholes) common
- High yields but surface contamination risk
- Hard water (calcium/magnesium) standard
Southern Indiana (Sandstone)
- Mississippian limestones and sandstones (Borden, Berea)
- Typical depths: 200–400 ft
- Harder formations, slower drilling
- Variable yields
- Occasional radon concerns
East-Central Indiana
- Knox and Black River sandstone aquifers (Muncie, Fort Wayne area)
- Typical depths: 150–300 ft
- Confined aquifers, artesian possible
- Good yields in sandstone zones
Seasonal Considerations
- Frost depth: 2–3 ft rarely blocks deep drilling
- Spring runoff: Sites may be swampy; raise casing above floodplain
- Water table peaks: Late winter/early spring
- Summer drought: Wells may show drawdown issues
Geology Resources
Consult the Indiana Geological & Water Survey for detailed aquifer information and well yield data by county. IDNR maintains well log databases with lithology and static levels.
🚫 Well Abandonment & Plugging
Plugging Requirements
Wells abandoned after 12/31/1987 must be plugged by a licensed driller with impermeable grout per 312 IAC 13-10. Older wells must be sealed or covered.
Urgent Deadline: Uncased boreholes must be plugged within 72 hours of drilling completion. Before plugging, chlorinate the well if practical.
Plugging Procedure
- Remove pump and equipment
- Chlorinate well (if practical)
- Fill with impermeable grout (cement or bentonite)
- Ensure grout prevents vertical movement between aquifers
- Remove casing to below plow depth or cap at surface
Note: There is no separate IDNR "plugging form" – compliance is verified by the licensed driller. Maintain records of all plugging work.
Resources & Contacts
Key Contacts
- Celena Langlois (IDNR): 317-941-4357 | clanglois@dnr.IN.gov
- Mark Basch (IDNR): 317-232-0154 | mbasch@dnr.IN.gov
Regulatory References
- IC 25-39: Water well driller licensing statutes
- 312 IAC 12-13: Water well drillers and pump installers rules (full construction standards)
- 312 IAC 13-3-2: Well locations and setbacks
- 312 IAC 13-4-1: Casing requirements
- 312 IAC 13-6-1: Grouting/sealing (rotary or augered wells)
- 312 IAC 13-9-1: Disinfection procedures (with dosage tables)
- 312 IAC 13-10-2: Permanent abandonment and plugging
Frequently Asked Questions
Renew online through IDNR or by mail before Dec 31 each year. Fee is $100 for drillers or pump installers (both covered on same license if combo). You must complete 6 hours of CE per 2-year cycle. If your license has lapsed >1 year, you must re-take the exam and complete 6 h CE before renewal.
6 hours per 2-year cycle for each license (e.g., 6 h for driller or pump installer, 12 h if holding both). Cycle = odd+even year (e.g., 2023-24). Hours must be completed by Dec 31 of the even year to renew for the next year. All courses must be pre-approved by IDNR (30 days advance). Keep attendance certificates on file for 3 years.
Within 30 days of drilling completion. Use IDNR "Record of Water Well" form (#35680). The report must include drilling method, intended use, pump test data, casing/screen specs, total depth, static water level, owner and driller info, stratigraphy, grouting, and signature. Submit to IDNR Division of Water (no fee).
Site wells "as far as practicable" from known contamination sources (septic tanks/leachfields, feedlots, manure piles, farm ponds, etc.) per 312 IAC 13-3-2. Specific numeric setbacks are not mandated by state code, but local health departments may have requirements. Casing must extend ≥1 ft above ground (≥2 ft above flood elevation in designated flood areas).
📚 Sources & References
This guide is based on verified research from official Indiana sources:
- Indiana DNR - Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing
- Indiana DNR - Approved Classes for Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers
- Indiana Administrative Code 312 IAC 13 - Water Well Drillers and Pump Installers (includes 312 IAC 13-4-1 Casing)
- Indiana Administrative Code 312 IAC 13-6-1 - Rotary or augered wells
- 312 IAC 13-9-1 - Disinfection procedures for drilled wells
- 312 IAC 13-3-2 - Well locations (setbacks)
- 312 IAC 13-2-6 - Well records
- 312 IAC 13-10-2 - Permanent abandonment of wells
- Indiana DNR - Significant Water Withdrawal Facility Registration (defines high capacity wells ≥100,000 gal/day)
- Indiana DNR - Division of Water Forms
- Indiana DNR - Driller and Pump Installer Licensing (includes plumber registration requirements)
- Indiana DNR - Water Well Record Database
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our Indiana well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
Indiana Homeowner Well Guide →