The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is encouraging eligible Hoosiers to apply for free well water testing through the 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network (GWMN).
Although private well water is unregulated by both the IDEM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, IDEM's Office of Water Quality Drinking Water Branch periodically collects water samples from qualified private residential drinking water wells to characterize groundwater conditions, track environmental changes, and identify areas that may be influenced by natural geology or human activity.
"By taking part in this program, homeowners gain valuable insight into their own drinking water, while the information collected contributes to a clearer statewide picture of groundwater quality," said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. "This scientific sampling helps us ensure Indiana’s groundwater remains clean, safe, and resilient for generations to come."
To be considered for the 2026 survey, property owners must:
- Reside in Indiana and have an active, private residential drinking water well;
- Ensure the well is listed in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Online Water Well Record Database;
- Be able to provide IDEM with a copy of their water well record.
- If the property owner does not have a copy in their personal records, IDEM will attempt to locate it in the DNR Online Well Record Database
- Complete the online GWMN survey, surveymonkey.com/r/gwmn2026, no later than June 1, 2026.
IDEM will select a limited number of participants. Selected homeowners will be contacted to arrange a sample collection between June and October 2026. Participation is voluntary, and results will be shared directly with the homeowner.
Because private wells are not regulated, IDEM strongly encourages homeowners who rely on private drinking water wells to test their water regularly. Guidance for routine well testing is available from the Indiana Department of Health's website, Search for "Well Water Quality and Testing" at www.IN.gov/health.
More information about the Groundwater Monitoring Network program is available through IDEM's website, idem.IN.gov.
Single-lane closures to impact State Road 63 near Cayuga
Parke County teenage arrested after biting toddler
Duke Energy breaks ground on Cayuga Energy Complex project
Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Indiana Conservation Officers seek help finding track chairs stolen from Fort Harrison State Park
Clay County man among six drug traffickers, including one illegal alien, sentenced to decades in federal prison
110th running of the Indianapolis 500 a sellout, local TV delay lifted
Projects wanted for READI 2.0 and Lilly Blight funding
Rockville man nabbed for harmful matter
USDA requires SNAP authorized retailers to carry more real food
Congressman Yakym's staff to hold mobile office hours in Plymouth this month
Indiana state senator working to legalize medical marijuana
“Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Hoosiers to buckle up
IDEM introduces new “Local Air Quality Advisory” for short‑term conditions
Hollywood actor died of natural causes
Letter Carriers' Food Drive this Saturday
