Water Well Types in Indiana — Drilled, Bored, and Driven Wells

March 2, 2026

Not all water wells are the same. Indiana’s diverse geology — from glacial deposits in the north to limestone bedrock in the south — means different well types are used in different parts of the state. Here’s what you need to know.

Drilled Wells

Most common type for residential use in Indiana. A rotary or percussion drill rig creates a 4–8 inch diameter borehole that can extend hundreds of feet into bedrock or deep sand and gravel aquifers.

Advantages:

• Can reach deep, reliable aquifers
• Suitable for all of Indiana’s geological formations
• Properly cased drilled wells have long service lives (30–50+ years)
• Less susceptible to surface contamination when properly grouted

Typical depths in Indiana:

• Northern Indiana (glaciated plains): 50–200 feet — typically tapping thick sand and gravel aquifers deposited by glaciers
• Central Indiana (transitional): 100–300 feet — mix of glacial deposits and bedrock
• Southern Indiana (unglaciated, bedrock): 150–600+ feet — limestone, sandstone, and shale formations

The deeper and more consistent aquifers of the glaciated north often yield high-volume wells. Southern Indiana bedrock wells can be highly productive but may have harder water and occasional quality issues.

Bored Wells

A large-diameter (12–36 inch) shallow well constructed with an auger or excavator. Bored wells typically extend only 25–50 feet and draw from near-surface aquifers or perched water tables.

Use cases:

• Low-yielding farm properties with high-water-table soils
• Older rural properties (many existing bored wells date from pre-1950)
• Areas with very shallow water tables

Limitations:

• Highly susceptible to surface contamination (bacteria, nitrates from agriculture)
• Yield may drop significantly during droughts
• Indiana DNR construction standards discourage new bored wells in favor of drilled wells where possible

If you have an old bored well, consider testing regularly for bacteria and nitrates — and consult a licensed driller about whether upgrading to a drilled well is appropriate.

Driven Wells (Sand Point Wells)

A small-diameter (1.25–2 inch) steel pipe with a screened point is driven into the ground by hand or light equipment. Only practical in shallow, sandy aquifers — typically less than 50 feet.

Use cases:

• Seasonal irrigation wells in areas with shallow water tables
• Temporary water supplies
• Some northern Indiana locations with accessible shallow sand aquifers

Limitations:

• Cannot access deep aquifers
• Highly vulnerable to surface contamination
• Low yield — not suitable for whole-house domestic supply in most cases
• Some Indiana counties restrict driven wells for domestic use

Geothermal Wells (Closed-Loop and Open-Loop)

Geothermal heat pump systems often use wells for heat exchange. There are two types:

Closed-loop (vertical): A water/antifreeze mixture circulates through a closed loop of pipe inserted into vertical boreholes (typically 150–400 feet per ton of capacity). Doesn’t draw groundwater — just uses the stable ground temperature.

Open-loop: Draws actual groundwater from one well, extracts heat or cooling, and returns water to the aquifer through a second “return” well. Requires adequate well yield and appropriate groundwater chemistry.

In Indiana: Geothermal drilling is regulated under the same IC 25-39-3 framework. Contractors must be licensed; they appear in the DNR registry under the “GEO” category.

Well Casing and Grouting

Regardless of well type, Indiana construction standards require:

• Steel or thermoplastic casing to prevent contamination from surface water
• Sanitary grouting with cement or bentonite clay around the casing, sealing the annular space to prevent surface contaminants from migrating down the outside of the casing
• Watertight well cap to prevent insects, rodents, and surface water from entering the well

These requirements protect both your drinking water and Indiana’s groundwater resources.

Choosing the Right Well for Your Property

Your licensed well driller will assess local geological conditions, typically by reviewing DNR well completion records from neighboring properties. Key factors:

• Depth to productive aquifer — determines cost and well type
• Expected yield — gallons per minute needed for your use
• Water quality — local geology influences iron, hardness, and other parameters
• Neighboring wells — completion records show what worked nearby

Use the Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) well record database to research well depths and geological conditions in your area before getting quotes.