Indiana well water testing: state lab prices and certified labs
Short answer: The Indiana Department of Health recommends testing private wells every year for bacteria and nitrate, and at least every five years for fluoride, arsenic, lead and copper. Its state lab charges private citizens $10 each for bacteria, nitrate or fluoride and $20 for arsenic, lead and copper, plus shipping, or use a certified lab.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that about 1.68 million people in Indiana supplied their own household water in 2015. USGS says the most common source of self-supplied water is a well. [source] [source]
Private well water isn't regulated by IDEM or the EPA, so well owners are responsible for their own water's safety, according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). [source]
What to test and how often
- Every year: bacteria and nitrate.
- At least every five years, or after major maintenance: fluoride, arsenic, lead and copper. [source]
IDOH state lab prices for private citizens
| Test | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacteria | $10 |
| Nitrate | $10 |
| Fluoride | $10 |
| Arsenic, lead and copper | $20 |
Shipping is extra. Kits are ordered online through Access Indiana, and containers are sent after the order. [source]
Other certified labs
IDOH manages certification of drinking water labs. [source] See IDEM's list of Indiana certified drinking water laboratories. [source]
County guides
No county pages for this state yet. Your local health department is the first stop, per EPA guidance. [source]
FAQ
How do I get my well water tested in Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Health recommends testing private wells every year for bacteria and nitrate, and at least every five years for fluoride, arsenic, lead and copper. Its state lab charges private citizens $10 each for bacteria, nitrate or fluoride and $20 for arsenic, lead and copper, plus shipping, or use a certified lab.
How much does the Indiana state lab charge for well water tests?
IDOH lists $10 each for bacteria, nitrate or fluoride and $20 for arsenic, lead and copper for private citizens, not including shipping.
Sources
- USGS – Estimated Use of Water in the United States, County-Level Data for 2015 (domestic self-supplied population) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- USGS – Domestic Water Use (accessed 2026-10-23)
- Indiana Department of Health Laboratory – Well Water (accessed 2026-10-23)
- Indiana Department of Health – Well Water Quality and Testing (accessed 2026-10-23)
- IDEM – Indiana Certified Drinking Water Laboratories (PDF) (accessed 2026-10-23)
- US EPA – Protect Your Home's Water (accessed 2026-10-23)
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