Indiana § 13-18-17-5 - Quality standards; onsite sewage systems

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 13-18-17-5 — Quality standards; onsite sewage systems, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13-18-17-5. Quality standards; onsite sewage systems

Sec. 5. (a) The board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 and IC 13-14-9 establishing groundwater quality standards that include numeric and narrative criteria, a groundwater classification plan, and a method of determining where the groundwater quality standards must apply. The standards established under this subsection shall be used for the following purposes:

(1) To establish minimum compliance levels for groundwater quality monitoring at regulated facilities.

(2) To ban the discharge of effluents into potable groundwater.

(3) To establish health protection goals for untreated water in water supply wells.

(4) To establish concentration limits for contaminants in ambient groundwater.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) and subject to subsection (d), the following agencies shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to apply the groundwater quality standards established under this section to activities regulated by the agencies:

(1) The department.

(2) The department of natural resources.

(3) The Indiana department of health.

(4) The office of the state chemist.

(5) The department of homeland security.

(c) The executive board of the Indiana department of health may not adopt rules to apply the nitrate and nitrite numeric criteria included in groundwater quality standards established in rules adopted by the board under subsection (a) to onsite sewage systems.

(d) Any rule adopted by the executive board of the Indiana department of health is void to the extent that the rule applies the nitrate and nitrite numeric criteria included in groundwater quality standards established in rules adopted by the board under subsection (a) to onsite sewage systems.

[Pre-1996 Recodification Citation: 13-7-26-6.]

As added by P.L.1-1996, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.168-1999, SEC.1; P.L.24-2004, SEC.6; P.L.1-2006, SEC.201; P.L.113-2014, SEC.72; P.L.187-2021, SEC.48; P.L.56-2023, SEC.129; P.L.135-2026, SEC.172.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 13-18-17-5

What does Indiana Code § 13-18-17-5 cover?

Section 13-18-17-5 ("Quality standards; onsite sewage systems") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 13-18-17-5?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 13-18-17-5" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 13-18-17-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.