PRIVATE WATER SYSTEMS - LOCATE YOUR WELL CAREFULLY

Locate Your Well Carefully

Locate a well so as to avoid subsurface contamination. Underground geologic formations, changes in watertable, and similar factors prevent general rules from being guarantees of safe water. Regulations and recommendations tend to minimize danger. Health department recommendations include minimum setback distances between a new well and potential pollution sources.

Locate a watertable well on high ground with the water level in the well higher than any nearby source of contamination. If the well must be located on low ground, put it at least 1000' from pollution source. Avoid flooding or surface water contamination. Select a naturally well-drained location or extend the casing above maximum flood level and mound earth around it. Construct diversion terraces or ditches as necessary at least 50' upslope from the well to intercept and divert surface runoff around the well site.

Put a well where it will be accessible for maintenance, inspection, and pump or pipe replacement. Wells should be at least 5 ft from any building. Locate a pump house at least 50 ft from any major building. Wire the pump motor directly from the meter pole and protect its circuits from the effects of building fires.

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