Indiana county well guide

Well Water in White County, IN: Testing, Contractors and Rules

About 5,733 households in White County, 59% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
59%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
White County59%
Indiana average25%
2licensed contractors serve the county
2 mito the nearest certified lab, CHEM-A-LAB
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

In White County, roughly 59% of households, about 5,733 homes, draw their water from a private well. Nobody tests it, treats it or inspects it unless the owner does.

Local rules for wells in White County

The rules that apply in White County are set at the state level in Indiana. The state does not require a test on a new well, and nothing is required at sale. Some counties and townships add permits or setbacks of their own, so check locally before drilling. The state's own recommendations are below.

At a glance

Water test for a new wellNot required statewide

No statewide water test. The state requires the well to be drilled by a DNR-licensed water well driller to the 312 IAC 13 construction standards (setbacks of 50 ft from septic tanks and drainfields, grouted casing, disinfection) and a well record filed with the Division of Water within 30 days. Most county health departments require a well permit under the county ordinance before drilling and many ask for a bacteriological sample before the well is approved for use, so check with the county first.

Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide

No statewide requirement. The Indiana seller's disclosure form asks whether the water supply is a well and whether there are known problems, nothing more. FHA, VA and USDA loans normally require a bacteria, nitrate and lead sample from a certified lab before closing, and a few county health departments require a well inspection at transfer.

What the state recommends

The Indiana Department of Health recommends testing a private well for coliform bacteria and nitrate every year and running a broader panel every few years or when something changes: arsenic (common in Indiana's glacial aquifers), iron, manganese, hardness, sulfate, sodium, lead and copper. Add radon, uranium and fluoride in south-central Indiana bedrock wells and PFAS near airfields and industrial sites, and test again after flooding, well work or a change in taste, color or smell.

Free or low-cost testingAvailable

No statewide free program. The Indiana Department of Health laboratory and most county health departments test private well samples for bacteria and nitrate for a small fee (typically $20 to $40 a sample), and several counties run periodic free testing days or arsenic screening. The IDOH lab finder below lists the certified labs that take samples from the public.

Getting your water tested near White County

The nearest certified lab is CHEM-A-LAB in Monticello, about 2 miles from the county center, and it accepts samples from homeowners. There are 3 more within 40 miles, listed below with what each tests for.

4 certified labs within 40 miles

Licensed well contractors serving White County

Licensed help in White County includes Scates Well Drilling and Scheurich Plumbing. Every listing was matched to the Indiana license list; the "verify" link on each profile opens the state lookup.

Well depth and water chemistry

Well depth and water chemistry in White County follow the rock underneath it. Typical wells here run 50 to 150 ft in the glacial sand and gravel aquifers of northern and central Indiana; 100 to 300 ft into limestone and sandstone bedrock in the south-central and southwestern hills, where yields are lower and dry holes are common; 150 to 400 ft where the glacial cover is thin over shale. Contaminants worth testing for in this part of Indiana include arsenic (glacial aquifers across northern and central indiana, often above the federal limit), iron and manganese (nearly universal in glacial wells), hardness (statewide).

Typical well depth

Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.

Contaminants to test for
  • Arsenic (glacial aquifers across northern and central Indiana
  • Often above the federal limit)
  • Iron and manganese (nearly universal in glacial wells)
  • Hardness (statewide)
  • Nitrate (shallow wells in farm country and near feedlots)
  • Coliform bacteria (shallow
  • Dug and older wells)
  • Hydrogen sulfide and methane (glacial and shale wells)
  • Sulfate and sodium (deeper bedrock wells)
  • Fluoride and radon (south-central limestone and shale)
  • PFAS near airfields
  • Fire training sites and industrial areas

Neighboring counties: Carroll County, Pulaski County, Tippecanoe County, Cass County.

What well work costs in White County

Basic bacteria and nitrate test$25 to $75lab fee, homeowner sample
Full panel lab test$150 to $400metals, VOCs, radiologicals
Well inspection$250 to $550flow, pressure, visual, water test
Submersible pump replacement$1,200 to $4,500parts and labor
Pressure tank replacement$400 to $1,200installed
Whole-house treatment system$800 to $6,000softener, iron filter, UV, RO
New well drilled$5,500 to $25,000about $25 to $65 per foot
Shock chlorination$80 to $300or about $20 as a DIY job

National ranges from published 2025 to 2026 contractor pricing. Local quotes vary with depth, access and materials.

Questions White County well owners ask

How many homes in White County are on a well?

About 5,733, or 59% of households, based on Census housing data and state well surveys. The share is highest outside the towns with public water.

Where is the closest certified lab to White County?

CHEM-A-LAB in Monticello, about 2 miles away. It accepts homeowner samples.

Do I need a permit to drill a well in White County?

No statewide water test. The state requires the well to be drilled by a DNR-licensed water well driller to the 312 IAC 13 construction standards (setbacks of 50 ft from septic tanks and drainfields, grouted casing, disinfection) and a well record filed with the Division of Water within 30 days. Most county health departments require a well permit under the county ordinance before drilling and many ask for a bacteriological sample before the well is approved for use, so check with the county first.

What does a well test cost near White County?

A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. Mail-in kits cost about the same as walking in.