Wellhead Protection Areas

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Wellhead Protection Areas

The City of South Bend gets its entire water supply from ground water wells, which is why it's important to prevent this water from being contaminated from pollution. Indiana's Wellhead Protection Rule (327 IAC 8-4.1) requires all public water supplies using ground water wells to maintain a Wellhead Protection Plan (WHPP). The WHPP is the strategy designed to protect the water supply by preventing pollutants from entering the ground in areas around wells.


Does South Bend have a Wellhead Protection Plan?

The South Bend Water Works (SBWW) has had a WHPP in place since March 2000 to sustain drinking water quality in the water wells that supply our public water. Although SBWW maintains the plan, wellhead protection must be a community effort.

View the current Wellhead Protection Plan.  

View the City's Wellhead Protection Ordinance. 


What can the community do to help?

Here are some steps you can take to help protect our water supply:

  • Know what contaminants you have on your property and be sure they are stored, used and disposed of in a safe manner. Contact the St. Joseph County Household Hazardous Waste at 574.235.9971 for questions about disposal.
  • Limit your use of harsh chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers and other hazardous products and look for less toxic alternatives.
  • Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze.
  • Make sure any well not in use on your property has been abandoned properly. Contact the IDNR - Division of Water at 1.877.928.3755 for information on how to plug wells.
  • Get involved with the Wellhead Protection Plan by contacting the water quality staff at waterquality@southbendin.gov.


How do I know if I live or work in a Wellhead Protection Area?

View the Wellhead Protection Area maps here.


311 Process Notes

If you receive calls about wellhead protection, please transfer them to 5994.