A standard bacterial analysis on a water sample can be obtained in two ways:

1. A private, State approved laboratory may be used. The lab will provide a special container in which to collect the sample. Following the instruction given, the sample is collected and returned to the lab. The lab will analyze the sample and return the results to the collector usually within 72 hours. The cost for this service should be in the 25 to 30 dollar range.
2. If a person wishes to use the Indiana State Department of Health lab, instead of a private lab, for bacteriological analysis, he/she must call 317-233-8104 and request a sample bottle and instructions for proper sampling. The collected sample must be mailed or delivered to the ISDH lab along with a check or money order for $8. The sample will not be analyzed if payment has not been received. The results are sent to the collector usually within two weeks. The sample must be mailed on a Monday or Tuesday in order to arrive at the lab early enough in the week to be analyzed. Beware of weeks that contain holidays.

Please note that this department will collect a water sample free of charge at the request of a physician. The sample will be sent to the Indiana State Department of Health lab for analysis. Please do not bring containers of water into the office, as they cannot be analyzed.  back
 

Proper maintenance of a septic system is essential to the longevity of the system. This department recommends that the septic tank be pumped every 3 to 5 years, more frequently if a garbage disposal is in use. Sludge and scum build up inside the septic tank. Failure to remove the sludge and scum in a timely manner results in these materials entering the absorption field. In the absorption field, they build up and seal the soil; therefore, the effluent can no longer be absorbed. Please keep in mind that a licensed hauler must pump a septic tank.  back
 

The Environmental Health Division does have a vector control program that treats for mosquitoes. The program consists two separate practices, larviciding and adulticiding.

Larviciding: This is the most efficient and cost effective means to control mosquito populations. Mosquitoes must breed in water. This department has mapped areas in the county that consistently breed mosquitoes. Each site is visited and the water is sampled to see if it contains mosquito larva. If larva are found, the site is treated with a larvicide. To kill the mosquitoes before they become biting adults. Environmentally friendly chemical, such as BTI that target only mosquito larva area used.

Adulticiding: With the threat of West Nile Virus transmission, the department has developed an adulticiding program. Using an ultra low volume sprayer, and a synthetic pyrethroid chemical, one of the safest adulticides available population centers in the county are sprayed using a prescribe route. The adulticide is only effective when it contact the mosquitoes. Consequently, all spraying is done in the evenings when the mosquitoes are active.

To report a possible mosquitoes breeding site, please contact our office at 812-379-1550.

The following steps outline the application with this department for use of on-site sewage disposal in subdivision and lot development:

1. Provide the environmental health division with a copy of the existing plat of the property, showing existing lot lines, their dimensions, and any physical landmarks present. A copy of this plat should be available in the office of the Bartholomew County Auditor.
2. Draw the intended lot lines, with dimensions, as well as the intended home location(s) on this plat. The approximate corners are to be marked by stakes and/or flags. (The exact lot corners are to be marked prior to the submittal deadline, and will be examined by this department prior to the issuance of preliminary certificates required for the Subdivision Review Committee.)
3. Fill out an application form, with approval to enter onto the property, person requesting the work to be completed, and note any existing home that will have to be inspected prior to the subdivision.
4. This department must mark suitable sites for soil borings to be conducted by a certified soil scientist on any newly created lot. A meeting at the site will be held to determine preferred home placement and mark the location for the soil borings within the proposed septic system location
5. A report from a soil scientist, on the appropriate forms, on each boring site must be received by this department prior to the submittal deadline. The soil scientist's report will be used by this department to develop requirements for each system site according to Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.1.
6. After this department has received a surveyed drawing, showing the final lot dimensions, lot numbering, and lot corner placement, easements, flood elevations, these items, as well as the septic fields will be verified as acceptable on-site. A Subdivision Checklist is to be filled and submitted by the surveyor at this time. Any existing homes on the subdivided property will be inspected at this time. All needed Preliminary and Conditional Certificates will be issued. Copies of these will be sent to Planning Department for review.
7. After approval of the subdivision, the Preliminary Certificate will remain valid on file with the Environmental Health Division until a construction permit is issued. Alteration of the approved system site or change in state and local codes may alter or void acceptance of a lot.