The LaPorte County Health Department is excited to celebrate National Drinking Water Week 2026 by offering free in-home well water tests. This is a great opportunity for residents with private wells to ensure their drinking water is safe.
From May 11th to May 15th, LaPorte County homeowners can pick up a water testing kit. Kits will be available at the LaPorte and Michigan City Health Department offices, but they are limited, so it’s first come, first served. Each household can receive one kit.
It’s important for well owners to regularly test their water. Unlike public water systems, which follow strict testing rules under Indiana’s Safe Drinking Water Act, private well owners are responsible for their own water quality. Regular tests can help catch any issues before they become serious problems.
The testing kit includes checks for coliform bacteria and tests for pH, nitrate, nitrite, copper, total hardness, total alkalinity, and iron. While these kits are helpful for screening, they can’t be used for legal purposes like property transfers.
If you want to participate, here are the pickup locations and times:
LaPorte Office
- Address: 809 State St., Suite 401A, LaPorte, IN 46350
- Hours: May 11th to May 15th, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Michigan City Office
- Address: 300 Washington St., Suite 106, Michigan City, IN 46360
- Hours: May 12th and May 14th ONLY, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Testing water quality isn’t just a local concern. According to recent surveys, over 13 million Americans rely on private wells for drinking water and many are unaware of the potential risks. A 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one in five wells may contain contaminants.
Taking steps to test your well water regularly can have a significant impact on your health. In light of recent trends on social media, many users are sharing their stories about well water testing, raising awareness about the importance of clean water. It’s a reminder that access to safe drinking water is vital for everyone.
For more information on water testing and safety, check out the CDC’s guidelines on well water quality.
