Private Well standards?

[msteger]

Some point in the past, I had run across either a PA DEP or US EPA document listing basic requirements for private wells, such as how far away from a neighbor's property line, how far from septic systems, etc. I am trying to find it because I am trying to recall the recommended height of a well cap above grade. I seem to recall it is 12" and this is recommended to help prevent ground water and pesticides from entering the well. I can't find the info now..

Anyone have a good link(s) to provide this info? I did a 'private wells' keyword search on the PA DEP and EPA websites, but didn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks.

[kurt]

All the wells I've seen, and owned, were regulated by the county health dept.

As I recall in general, well stems have to be >18" above grade (so flood waters can't go down the stem to the water table), >50' from any septic field, and the lot line stuff is all over the map dependent on the local requirements.

Check your local health dept.

[Bryan]

In Indiana wells are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. I have attached our regulations, which indicates they should be 12" or higher.

Bryan

Download Attachment: Water Well Location Guidelines.pdf

179.21 KB

[msteger]

Thanks guys for the info. That is what I am looking for but want something official stating that it pertains to PA.

Is there anyone here from PA that may have similar info from the PA DEP?

[Bill Kibbel]

PA does not regulate private well installations, despite many (failed) legislative attempts. Neither the PADEP nor the USEPA have the authority to regulate private wells, so there is no document listing requirements.

In PA, some counties and municipalities have ordinances restricting well locations. Check with the county's health department first. Here's the regulations for my county:

http://www.buckscounty.org/government/d ... ndRegs.pdf

[Jerry Simon]

>50' from any septic field...

I'm fairly certain Lake, DuPage and McHenry Counties require 100'.

Chicago septic fields might be different (both of 'em).

Not that we care, much. In Illinois, jftr, the seller has to pay for well & septic testing, and we HI's can't do such.

[hausdok]

Hi Matthew,

I think that what you are looking for is here.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[msteger]

Thanks Mike. Just what I am looking for. I see they recommend the well cap terminate at least 8" above grade in several documents and another document says 12" above grade.

[Bill Kibbel]

The stuff from the Coop Extension is only voluntary guidelines for homeowners. It is not a list of requirements. In fact, it conflicts with some local PA municipal ordinances.

You need to get the actual local requirements for the areas that you are inspecting, like I do.

[msteger]

Thanks. I typically go into any of 5 PA counties. I guess I'll have to make some phone calls tomorrow.

[kurt]

I'm fairly certain Lake, DuPage and McHenry Counties require 100'.

Chicago septic fields might be different (both of 'em).

Not that we care, much. In Illinois, jftr, the seller has to pay for well & septic testing, and we HI's can't do such.

Could be....50' was from the last one I installed in Michigan.....this stuff is almost all local/county regulated, regardless of where it's at.