If your home near Goshen runs on a private well, keeping your water safe can feel like a big responsibility. You want clear answers on what to test, how often to check it, and what to do if something looks off. The good news is that a simple routine and a few smart steps can protect your household and your investment.
In this guide, you’ll learn which tests matter most in Elkhart County, how to collect reliable samples, what to know about new wells and permits, and a straightforward annual maintenance plan. You’ll also see the practical steps to take if results are out of range. Let’s dive in.
Why private well care matters in Elkhart County
In Indiana, private wells are the homeowner’s responsibility. Federal drinking-water rules do not regulate private wells, but federal standards known as EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels are widely used as health benchmarks. You should treat these EPA levels as guidance for safety when you review lab results.
State agencies set well construction standards and license well drillers, and counties may add siting or septic separation rules. In Elkhart County, the Health Department’s Environmental Health team is your local contact for questions, resources, and septic-well guidance. Purdue Cooperative Extension also provides helpful, Indiana-specific well information.
What to test and when
Start with core health-related tests, then add others based on your plumbing, land use, and geology. At a minimum, test for total coliforms, E. coli, and nitrate every year. Include arsenic at least once, then retest as needed.
Bacteria: total coliforms and E. coli
- Why it matters: Bacteria signal a pathway for pathogens. E. coli points to recent fecal contamination and an immediate risk.
- When to test: At least annually. Also test after flooding, after any well or plumbing work, if you notice changes in taste, odor, or clarity, or if you suspect a septic issue.
- Action: Any E. coli detection means you should avoid drinking the water, boil or use bottled water, and contact local health officials or a well professional. Total coliforms alone require disinfection and repeat testing.
Nitrate
- Why it matters: Nitrate often comes from fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste. Elevated levels are especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women.
- Benchmark: The EPA health benchmark is 10 mg/L as nitrogen.
- When to test: Test at least annually, and more often if you are near agricultural land, in dense septic areas, or have had higher results. Always test before an infant or pregnant person will drink the water.
Arsenic
- Why it matters: Arsenic can occur naturally in some Midwest aquifers, and long-term exposure raises cancer risk and other health concerns.
- Benchmark: The EPA health benchmark is 10 micrograms per liter.
- When to test: Test at least once for every well. If results are near or above the benchmark, test annually until you install treatment or change the source.
Other tests to consider
Consider lead if your home has older plumbing or solder. Iron, manganese, hardness, sulfate, VOCs, pesticides, or methane may be relevant depending on geology, land use, or nearby industry. If your property is close to a known contamination site, ask a lab or local officials about site-specific tests.
How to sample and choose a lab
Accurate results start with proper sampling and a state-certified laboratory. Most labs provide bottles, instructions, and turnaround times.
Collect a reliable sample
- Use the sterile container supplied by the lab. Do not substitute bottles.
- Follow lab instructions. Flush the tap, use cold water, and disinfect the faucet if directed.
- Avoid touching the inside of the cap or bottle and label your sample.
- Deliver the sample within the lab’s timeframe. Many bacteriological samples must arrive within 6 to 24 hours. Keep samples cool if requested.
Find certified labs
Use a state-certified drinking-water laboratory for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, and similar parameters. In Indiana, you can locate certified labs through state health or environmental agencies. Locally, contact the Elkhart County Health Department or the Purdue Cooperative Extension office for lab lists, sampling guidance, and practical tips.
Questions to ask the lab
- Are you state-certified for bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, and any other tests I need?
- Do you provide sterile bottles and storage instructions?
- How fast are results, and what is the cost?
- In what units will results be reported? For example, µg/L for arsenic and mg/L for nitrate.
- Do you have experience with private wells and can you help explain results?
New wells and permits in the Goshen area
If you plan to drill a new well, start by confirming current requirements with the Indiana office that oversees well construction and licensing, and with Elkhart County officials. Rules change, and local siting or septic setbacks can apply.
Key steps before drilling
- Hire a licensed well driller with local experience. Ask for proof of licensure and references.
- Confirm setback distances from septic systems, property lines, surface water, livestock areas, and chemical storage.
- Keep documentation, including the driller’s log, depth, casing, screen interval, and static water level.
- Schedule initial water testing after the well is developed and before you rely on it for household use.
Your annual maintenance checklist
A simple cadence keeps your well in good shape and makes test results easier to interpret over time.
Spring check
- Inspect the wellhead. Make sure the sanitary cap is tight, the vent is screened, and the casing is free of cracks.
- Review the site. Grade should slope away from the well. Remove debris and keep chemicals or fuel well away from the casing.
- Test your water. At minimum, test for total coliforms, E. coli, and nitrate. If you have not tested for arsenic, include it.
- Service pressure tank and plumbing as needed.
After storms or repairs
- Retest for bacteria right away after flooding, heavy storms, or any work on the well or plumbing.
- If the well was opened for repairs, disinfect the system and retest before normal use.
Every 2 to 5 years
- Retest arsenic if you previously detected it near the benchmark.
- Check iron, manganese, and hardness if you have treatment systems.
- Add site-specific tests such as VOCs or pesticides if local land use suggests a risk.
Ongoing monitoring
- Watch for changes in taste, odor, staining, or cloudiness. Any sudden change is a cue to test.
- Keep a file of all test results, well logs, and maintenance records. Consistent records help with troubleshooting and add value at resale.
What to do if results are out of range
Different results call for different actions. Always follow up any fix with a certified lab retest to confirm it worked.
Bacteria present
- E. coli detected: Do not drink the water. Use bottled water or boil water for drinking and cooking. Contact the health department or a well professional. Shock chlorination and follow-up testing are common first steps.
- Total coliforms only: Treat this as an intrusion. Disinfect and retest. If it returns, investigate sanitary defects or nearby sources, such as casing issues or septic leaks.
Nitrate above the benchmark
- Do not give well water to infants or pregnant women until you use an alternative source.
- Use bottled water short term and consult a water-treatment professional about long-term solutions such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange.
- If contamination appears widespread, consider a new source.
Arsenic above the benchmark
- Do not rely on untreated water for drinking or cooking.
- Explore treatment options such as reverse osmosis or adsorption filters that are certified for arsenic removal. Make sure all drinking-water taps are covered if you treat at the point of use.
- Use an alternate source until treatment is in place. Retest to verify performance.
Buyers and sellers: simple steps
Buying or selling a home with a private well requires a little extra due diligence. The payoff is confidence for both sides.
If you are selling
- Gather your well log, maintenance history, and recent test results. Many buyers expect current bacteria and nitrate results, and arsenic testing is commonly requested.
- Consider a well inspection and fresh water tests to share in disclosures.
If you are buying
- Arrange independent water sampling during the inspection period. At minimum, include bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic.
- Request the well log, permits, and any service records. Budget for treatment or repairs if results are elevated.
Keep good records
- Maintain dated copies of test results, service logs, and any chlorination or treatment maintenance.
- Organized records support health decisions today and make life easier at resale.
Local resources to contact
- Elkhart County Health Department, Environmental Health or Sanitary division, for local well and septic guidance.
- Purdue Cooperative Extension, Elkhart County office, for Indiana-focused well stewardship materials.
- Indiana state office that oversees well drilling and construction standards, for licensing and rule confirmation.
- State-certified drinking-water laboratories, available through state lists, for accurate testing and instructions.
Ready to talk wells and property?
Whether you are planning a move, evaluating acreage, or preparing a listing near Goshen, a clear well plan can protect your family and your investment. If you want local, practical guidance on how well testing fits into a purchase or sale, we are here to help. Noel Frost offers warm, professional support for lake, rural, and residential transactions. Schedule a complimentary consultation.
FAQs
How often should a Goshen-area private well be tested?
- Test for total coliforms, E. coli, and nitrate at least once a year, and add arsenic at least once, retesting as needed based on results and local risks.
What are the key health benchmarks for private well water?
- Use EPA health benchmarks as guidance: nitrate at 10 mg/L as nitrogen and arsenic at 10 micrograms per liter.
Who regulates private wells in Elkhart County, Indiana?
- Homeowners are responsible for private wells. Indiana sets construction and licensing rules, and Elkhart County may have siting or septic separation requirements. Confirm current details with state and county offices.
How do I choose a lab to test my well water?
- Use a state-certified laboratory. Ask about certification, bottles and instructions, turnaround time, reporting units, and experience with private wells.
What should I do if my water tests positive for E. coli?
- Do not drink the water. Use bottled or boiled water for consumption, contact local health officials or a well professional, disinfect the system, and retest to confirm it is resolved.
