Well Construction & Maintenance

Correct well construction together with continued maintenance are essential for the safety of private drinking water wells. Information on proper well construction can be found with the water-well contractor licensing agency, local health department, or local water system professionals.

Placement and construction of new wells must meet state and local regulations and may be surveyed by the local health department. There are strict rules about locating drinking water wells near drain fields, livestock and septic tanks. The locations of wells should be such, that rainwater flows away from it. Bacteria and chemicals on the land’s surface may be picked up by rainwater and transferred to the well, resulting in contamination.

Private wells are not protected by the Safe Water Drinking Act as the EPA’s rules only apply to public drinking water systems. Primary responsibility lies with the individual well owners to ensure the safety of the water drawn from their wells. The government’s health protections for water systems complies with federal and state regulations of frequent analysis, testing and reporting of results and does not benefit private household wells.