Private water wells are vulnerable to contamination from various environmental pollutants. These include but are not limited to: bacteria and nitrates; contamination from flooding or another natural disaster; lawn chemicals; lead, copper, arsenic and heavy metals; household wastes; or industrial and hazardous wastes. With the wide assortment of possible contaminants, it is important to test your well water every year to know you are drinking safe, healthy water. See the Indiana Department of Health Private Well Water Testing brochure for general information about sampling and testing your well water.
There are a number of facilities in the Steuben County Region that conduct private well water testing and analysis. Please contact them for specific collection procedures and fee structures.
This information is provided as a public service and constitutes no endorsement by the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District. It is the user’s responsibility to verify the services provided by the vendors listed.
Private Well Assistance
The Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) can assist you if you own a home in a rural area and use well water supplies. The GLCAP offers a Water Well Education & Assessment program which provides no-cost water well assessments for rural well owners and a Household Water Well Assistance program that provides low-interest financing for home owners for well repair or construction.
Private Well Assessments
Private water well assessments help you learn more about your well system and can identify potential threats to your drinking water supply. Well water testing assessments entail an in-person inspection of your well, evaluation of the water source, and education to ensure well water safety. The GLCAP can also recommend feasible solutions for identified issues and provide assistance to access federal, state, and other funding for well construction and repairs. See their brochure here.
Water Well Loans
The Household Water Well Program provides low-interest loans of up to $15,000 for rural homeowners who need to repair or construct new wells. Loans carry a 1% interest rate. Maturity may not exceed 20 years and depends on the borrower’s repayment ability. Borrowers will be responsible for associated loan costs such as recording and other fees. The program is available to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin residents who live in a town that does not exceed a population of 50,000.
Loans are available for residents with a household income at or below the following limits: Illinois — $35,061; Indiana — $33,470; Michigan — $31,282; Ohio — $33,130; Wisconsin — $33,863.
If you have questions about either of these programs, please contact the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership by calling 1-800-775-9767.
The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is not affiliated with the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership. This information is provided as a public service and constitutes no endorsement by the Steuben County SWCD.