WATER TESTING
The EPA is responsible for the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which are health-related standards that establish the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). MCLs are the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water delivered to users of a public water system. MCLs are enforceable under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The maximum levels for some of the most commonly found contaminants are:
| Bacteria Lead Pesticides (atrazine) Pesticides (simazine) Total Nitrate/Nitrite Nitrite Total Chlorine pH Total Hardness |
None Below 15 ppb (parts per billion) Below 3 ppb Below 4 ppb Below 10.0 ppm (parts per million) Below 1.0 ppm Below 4 ppm 6.5 to 8.5 50 ppm or less |
A laboratory test on your drinking water will measure bacteria (total coliform, E. coli), lead, nitrate, nitrite, total nitrate/nitrite, pH, iron, and turbidity, and will provide an exact measurement of contaminants.
The laboratory test takes three to five days to complete and the results will be emailed to you.
For more information on private wells, please see Drinking Water Information.
WATER TESTING
The EPA is responsible for the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which are health-related standards that establish the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). MCLs are the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water delivered to users of a public water system. MCLs are enforceable under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The maximum levels for some of the most commonly found contaminants are:
| Bacteria Lead Pesticides (atrazine) Pesticides (simazine) Total Nitrate/Nitrite Nitrite Total Chlorine pH Total Hardness |
None Below 15 ppb (parts per billion) Below 3 ppb Below 4 ppb Below 10.0 ppm (parts per million) Below 1.0 ppm Below 4 ppm 6.5 to 8.5 50 ppm or less |
A laboratory test on your drinking water will measure bacteria (total coliform, E. coli), lead, nitrate, nitrite, total nitrate/nitrite, pH, iron, and turbidity, and will provide an exact measurement of contaminants.
The laboratory test takes three to five days to complete and the results will be emailed to you.
For more information on private wells, please see Drinking Water Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have my water tested?
Most contaminants cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in the water, and it matters most for homes on a private well, which are not regulated or routinely monitored the way municipal supplies are.
What does the water test check for?
Your sample is analyzed against EPA contaminant standards. Depending on the panel, that typically includes bacteria such as total coliform and E. coli, nitrates, lead and other parameters relevant to Indiana groundwater.
Do I need a water test if I am on city water?
Municipal water is treated and monitored before it reaches you, but testing at the tap can still reveal problems introduced after that point – most commonly lead from older service lines or household plumbing.
Is a water test required for my mortgage?
Many lenders require a satisfactory water test for homes served by a private well, and this is particularly common with FHA and VA loans. Check with your lender on the specific requirement.
Can water testing be done during my home inspection?
Yes. Water testing is routinely scheduled alongside a Complete Home Inspection so the sample is collected during the same visit.
