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Homeowner Guide

Indiana Private Well Guide

Everything you need to know about drilling a private well in Indiana. Costs, permits, water testing, and finding a licensed driller.

Updated: December 2025Source: 312 IAC 13

Cost
$5,000–$15,000
Timeline
1–4 weeks
Permits
County permit ~$50
Drillers
Find in IN
Official Sources:IDNR Water DivisionIDOH Well TestingIDEM Water QualityLicensed Drillers
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Well Drilling Costs in Indiana

A complete private well system in Indiana typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on depth, geology, and equipment choices.

2024-2025 Indiana well drilling cost estimates
ComponentTypical CostNotes
Drilling (per foot)$25–$60/ftVaries with depth and geology (source: blairnorris.com)
Casing (6" steel)$30–$130/ftSteel more expensive than PVC (source: blairnorris.com)
Pump + Tank$1,500–$3,000Submersible pump with pressure tank (source: blairnorris.com)
DisinfectionIncludedRequired by 312 IAC 13 (source: in.gov)
Water Testing$10–$20/testIDOH lab: $10 bacteria/nitrate, $20 arsenic/lead (source: in.gov)
Permit Fee$50 (typical)County health dept (e.g., Marion Co. $50) (source: marionhealth.org)
Total System (150 ft)$5,000–$15,000Complete system (source: blairnorris.com)
Cost Tip
Get quotes from 2-3 licensed drillers before deciding. Most Central Indiana homes need wells between 100–200 feet deep. Northern Indiana (glacial drift) and southern Indiana (limestone/sandstone) have different drilling conditions affecting costs.

Timeline: From Decision to Drinking Water

Expect 1–4 weeks from your first call to potable water. County permit approval is typically the longest step.

Typical Indiana well drilling timeline (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)
StepDurationNotes
Site Assessment1–2 daysDriller surveys property, locates optimal site (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)
Permit Approval~3–14 daysLocal health dept review (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)
Drilling & Installation1–3 daysDrill, install casing, pump, and tank (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)
Water Testing & Approval~1 daySample and approve (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)
Total1–3 weeks avgNormal weather and permit processing (source: ai.marion.summersphc.com)

Permits & Process

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Most Indiana counties require a well construction permit from the local health department. Your licensed driller typically handles the application.

Permit Requirements
  • Fee: Typically $50 (varies by county)
  • Processing: 3–14 days
  • Application: Completed by driller or homeowner
  • Approval: County health department
  • Example: Marion County charges $50 permit fee
Licensing Requirements
  • Indiana law (IC 25-39; 312 IAC 13) requires licensed drillers
  • All drilling must be done by IDNR-licensed contractors
  • Verify driller license before hiring
  • Search licensed drillers on IDNR website

Who Does What?

Driller Handles:
Homeowner Handles:
  • Payment
  • Water testing coordination (with health dept)
  • Annual testing thereafter
  • Above-ground plumbing connections
  • Record keeping
  • Disclosure when selling property
Important
After drilling, your county health department will review the well log and water test results. If bacteria are found, the well must be re-chlorinated and retested before approval.

Water Quality

Important
Indiana does not regulate private wells after construction - homeowners are responsible for water safety. However, most counties require initial testing before approving a new well for use. Annual testing is strongly recommended.

Required Testing for New Wells

Most Indiana counties require testing before a new well can be used. For example, Elkhart County requires tests for arsenic, nitrates, and total coliform/E. coli. Hamilton County staff will sample new wells or accept results from state-certified labs.

Recommended Ongoing Testing

IDOH State Lab Pricing: $10 per test for bacteria or nitrates, $20 for arsenic or lead. Call 317-921-5500 to order sample kits.

Common Indiana Water Quality Issues

Bacteria

Fecal coliforms (E. coli, coliform) from septic systems, livestock, or wildlife. Most common hazard, especially after heavy rains or flooding.

Nitrates

From agricultural fertilizers and manure. Elevated in north-central and west-central Indiana on sandy soils. Above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome."

Arsenic

Naturally occurring in glacial till and gravel deposits, especially northern and eastern Indiana. Odorless/colorless but carcinogenic above 0.01 mg/L (EPA MCL).

Hard Water

Indiana's limestone geology produces very hard water (high calcium/magnesium). Causes scale and soap scum. Water softeners are common solutions.

🟤 Iron/Manganese

Common in deeper or older wells. Iron causes orange/brown staining, manganese causes black staining and metallic taste. Aesthetic issues, not health threats.

🥚 Sulfur

Hydrogen sulfide produces rotten-egg smell. High sulfates (>250 ppm) taste bitter or salty. Nuisance problems from decaying organic matter or coal strata.

Treatment Options

Treatment Sizing
Always retest water after installing any treatment system to verify effectiveness. Consult IDOH fact sheets on water treatment for specific contaminant guidance.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Warning Signs of Well Problems

  • Sudden drop in water pressure or flow rate
  • Pump cycling frequently or never reaching shutoff
  • Cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling water
  • Visible particulates or oily sheens
  • Rotten-egg odor (sulfides) or metallic taste (iron)
  • Gastrointestinal illness in household (bacteria)
  • Well running dry in summer (drawdown issues)
Professional Inspection
The National Ground Water Association recommends an annual inspection by a licensed or certified water well systems professional. This should include flow testing, pump inspection, and pressure tank evaluation.

When to Call a Professional

Indiana law requires licensed drillers for all major well work. Call a professional for:

Homeowners can handle minor tasks like periodic shock chlorination, replacing sediment filter cartridges, or cleaning faucet aerators. Never attempt major repairs yourself.

Find a Licensed Driller

Indiana law (IC 25-39; 312 IAC 13) requires a licensed water well driller for all well drilling work.

Search Licensed Drillers in Indiana

Find Drillers Near You →

How to Verify a Driller

  1. Ask for their IDNR license number
  2. Search the IDNR Licensed Driller Database
  3. Verify license is current and in good standing
  4. Get 2-3 written quotes for comparison
  5. Ask for references from recent jobs in your area
  6. Confirm driller will handle permit application
County Resources
Your county health department can provide lists of licensed drillers who work in your area. Call IDNR Water Division at 317-232-4160 or toll-free 877-928-3755 for assistance.

Resources & Contacts

Indiana Dept. of Health (IDOH) State Lab

Water testing ($10–$20 per test)

317-921-5500Visit Website
Indiana DNR Division of Water

Well records, licensed driller lists, technical info

317-232-4160Visit Website
Indiana Dept. of Environmental Mgmt (IDEM)

Groundwater protection, water quality guidance

317-232-8603Visit Website
Marion County Health Department

Well permits, inspections, testing (Indianapolis area)

317-221-2147Visit Website

Additional Resources

Key Regulatory References

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete well system in Indiana typically costs $5,000–$15,000 for a 150-foot well, per industry estimates. Drilling costs average $25–$60 per foot. Shallow wells (~50 ft) may cost $1,800–$3,000, while deep wells (~300 ft) can cost $10,000–$18,000. Additional costs include pump ($1,500–$3,000), casing ($30–$130/ft for steel), testing ($10–$20 per test), and permit (~$50).

Yes. In many Indiana counties, a well construction permit is required from the local health department before drilling. For example, Marion County requires a $50 permit. Your licensed driller typically handles the permit application. Indiana law (IC 25-39; 312 IAC 13) requires licensed drillers for all well work.

The complete process from decision to drinking water typically takes 1–4 weeks. A typical schedule includes: site assessment (1–2 days), permit approval (~3–14 days), drilling and installation (1–3 days), and water testing/approval (~1 day), for a total average of 1–3 weeks.

Common Indiana well water issues include: (1) Bacteria (coliform/E. coli) from septic systems or livestock. (2) Nitrates from agricultural fertilizers, particularly in north-central Indiana sandy soils. (3) Arsenic naturally occurring in glacial deposits, especially northern and eastern Indiana. (4) Hard water (calcium/magnesium) from limestone geology. (5) Iron and manganese causing staining. (6) Sulfur causing rotten-egg smell.

IDOH recommends testing annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates. Test every 3–5 years for arsenic, lead, copper, and fluoride. Test immediately after flooding, well repairs, or any taste/odor changes. The Indiana State Lab charges $10 for bacteria or nitrate tests, $20 for arsenic or lead.
📚 Sources & References

This guide is based on verified research from official Indiana sources:

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