Indiana Water Testing Programs Requirements And Procedures For Private Well And Recreational Water

Indiana residents who rely on private wells or use recreational waters have access to various testing programs to ensure water safety. While the state does not appear to offer free drinking water samples to consumers, several county health departments provide testing services and resources for well owners and those concerned about water quality. This article examines the water testing programs available across different Indiana counties, including testing procedures, requirements, and associated costs.

Water Testing Requirements in Indiana

Indiana's approach to water testing varies by county and water source type. For private well owners, testing requirements depend on local ordinances and the specific circumstances surrounding the well.

In Hamilton County, all new or repaired wells must be permitted and sampled to ensure a safe drinking water supply. The Hamilton County Health Department conducts sampling using the Indiana State Health Department laboratory, or well owners may choose to use a state-certified laboratory for water sample analysis. This mandatory testing helps identify potential contaminants before water is consumed by residents.

LaGrange County, in contrast, has no water well ordinances. However, the local health department recommends that private water supplies (wells) be tested annually for nitrate and coliform bacteria. If any of these tests exceed the maximum contaminant levels recommended for household water wells, additional testing may be necessary to detect possible contamination problems.

The Indiana State Department of Health provides resources for well owners, including information on certified laboratories and water supply best practices. Additionally, the Water Rights and Use Section maintains records of over 400,000 water wells drilled in Indiana, with approximately 138,000 of these records being field verified.

Types of Water Testing Available

Indiana laboratories offer various testing services depending on the water source and potential concerns:

Private Well Water Testing

For private well water, testing typically focuses on microbiological parameters that indicate potential contamination:

• Coliform bacteria testing: These bacteria are often used as indicators of potential water contamination. Testing may be conducted as presence/absence or quantification methods depending on the laboratory.
• E. coli testing: This specific type of coliform bacteria indicates fecal contamination, which can pose immediate health risks.
• Nitrate testing: Particularly important for households with infants or pregnant women, as high nitrate levels can cause health issues.
• Standard plate count: Provides information about the general microbiological quality of the water.

The Marion County Public Health Laboratory's Environmental Microbiology Laboratory is certified by the Indiana State Department of Health to test for bacteriological analysis of drinking water. This laboratory performs tests for coliforms, E. coli, and standard plate counts for well waters.

Recreational Water Testing

Vanderburgh County offers specific testing services for recreational lake water, which is important for public health and safety:

• Quantification of Coliform and E. coli: For recreational waters, laboratories typically provide quantification results rather than simple presence/absence testing.
• Public and semi-public recreational lakes must have at least one passing sample two weeks prior to opening, as per Vanderburgh County requirements.

Testing recreational water helps identify potential health risks associated with swimming and other water activities, protecting public health from waterborne illnesses.

Water Sample Collection Procedures

Proper sample collection is crucial for accurate water testing results. Different Indiana counties provide specific instructions for collecting water samples:

Well Water Collection Steps

According to LaGrange County Health Department, proper well water sample collection involves the following steps:

1. Take the sample from a faucet without soft water or an aerator. If the faucet has an aerator, remove it before taking the sample. Outside faucets are typically not softened and are recommended for water samples.
2. Flame the faucet with a lighter or wipe it with a cloth and bleach to sterilize the sampling point.
3. Allow the water to run for about five minutes with a full stream to ensure fresh water from the well is being sampled.
4. Turn the faucet to slow the water to a pencil-sized stream to prevent spraying.
5. Remove the bottle cap without touching the threads, inside of the cap, or bottle.
6. Fill the bottle without letting it overflow. Carefully replace the cap and tighten securely, then shut off the water.
7. Complete the form attached to each bottle.
8. If taking a sample for lead testing, collect the sample immediately in the morning before using water, then follow steps 1-7.

Lake Water Collection Instructions

For recreational lake water testing, Vanderburgh County recommends:

• Collecting water samples away from the water's edge to avoid contamination.
• Either wading out to hip depth and collecting the sample while dipping the cup at least to elbow length, or using a boat or rafting device to venture several feet away from the bank and filling the cup at least to elbow depth.

Sample Storage and Submission Requirements

Proper storage and timely submission of water samples are critical for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate test results.

Well Water Sample Storage

Vanderburgh County has specific requirements for well water sample storage:

• Only samples in pre-purchased VCHD bottles will be accepted.
• No special storage requirements are necessary if submitted within 2 hours of collection.
• If the sample cannot be submitted within 2 hours of collection, it must be kept cold (not frozen) in a refrigerator or cooler until it can be presented for testing.
• Samples older than 24 hours will not be accepted.

Lake Water Sample Storage

Similar requirements apply to lake water samples:

• Samples should be kept cold but not frozen if not submitted immediately.
• The same 24-hour time limit applies for sample acceptance.

Laboratory Testing Services and Certification

Indiana's water testing laboratories must meet specific certification requirements to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Laboratory Certifications

The Marion County Public Health Laboratory's Environmental Microbiology Laboratory holds multiple certifications:

• Certified by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for bacteriological analysis of foods (Certification #100944).
• Certified by the Indiana State Department of Health for bacteriological analysis of drinking water (Certificate #M-49-2).
• Also certified by the AIHA for the analysis of food samples, including tests for organisms such as Enterobacter, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella, E. coli O157: H7, and other organisms of common concern to public health.

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at Marion County is also certified:

• By the Indiana State Department of Health for chemical analysis of drinking water (Certificate #C-49-04).
• By the American Industrial Hygiene Association for lead in soil, dust wipes, paint, and bulk asbestos analysis (Certification #100944).

These certifications ensure that laboratories meet established standards for testing accuracy and reliability.

Available Testing Locations

Various locations across Indiana provide water testing services:

• Hamilton County Health Department lobby serves as a pickup and drop-off location for Hoosier Microbiological Laboratory (HML) services.
• LaGrange County Health Department office, located across from the new LaGrange Parkview Hospital, provides sample bottles for well testing.
• Vanderburgh County offers specific testing services through their local health department laboratory.

Treatment Options for Contaminated Water

When water tests indicate contamination, treatment options may be necessary. Different water filters and treatment units address specific contaminants:

• Primary standard exceedances indicate health risks and require treatment research.
• Secondary standard exceedances relate to taste, odor, or plumbing issues but do not create adverse health effects.

For selecting appropriate treatment systems, consumers can refer to organizations that test and certify water filters and treatment units to industry standards. These independent evaluations help ensure that selected treatment systems effectively address identified water quality issues.

Resources for Indiana Well Owners

Several resources are available to Indiana residents who rely on private wells:

• The Private Well Class offers free well care classes for private well owners.
• The National Groundwater Association provides general information, videos, lessons, and resources for well owners.
• The Indiana State Department of Health website offers water supply information, including lists of certified labs and other relevant resources.
• The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water, provides information on well construction, well drillers, and water rights.
• The Indiana Department of Environmental Management offers information on groundwater protection, contaminants of concern, sampling, and disinfection.
• The Indiana Geological and Water Survey provides water resources overview information.

Health Implications of Water Contamination

Understanding the potential health effects of water contaminants helps underscore the importance of regular testing:

• E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
• Enteroviruses may lead to respiratory and other systemic infections.
• Campylobacter infections can result in diarrhea and fever.
• Hepatitis A virus affects the liver and can cause serious illness.
• Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
• Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea.
• Shigella infection leads to bacillary dysentery characterized by diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
• Rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe diarrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information on these waterborne pathogens and their prevention.

Drinking Water Quality Regulations

While Indiana does not appear to offer free drinking water samples to consumers, the state regulates public water systems to ensure safety:

• The Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) provides information on drinking water standards and regulations.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water website (www.epa.gov/safewater) offers comprehensive resources on drinking water quality.
• The Indiana Department of Health provides Quick Facts on waterborne illnesses like cryptosporidiosis.

For private well owners, these resources help understand the standards that apply to public water systems, which can serve as benchmarks for private well water quality.

Conclusion

Based on the available information, Indiana does not appear to offer free drinking water samples to consumers. However, the state provides various resources for private well owners and those concerned about water quality. County health departments across Indiana offer testing services, with specific requirements for sample collection, storage, and submission. While these services may involve costs, they play a crucial role in ensuring safe drinking water for Indiana residents, particularly those relying on private wells. Regular testing, following proper procedures, and utilizing available resources are essential steps for maintaining water safety in private water systems.

Sources

1. Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District - Well Water Testing
2. Marion County Public Health Department - Population Health Programs
3. LaGrange County Health Department - Water Testing Programs
4. Vanderburgh County Health Department - Well and Recreational Lake Water Testing