Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 56 - PUBLIC WORKS
Part I - Water Wells
Chapter 3 - Water Well Construction
Section I-333 - Standards for Miscellaneous Appurtenances

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-333

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

A. Vent (Breather Pipe). Vents are required for all public supply water wells and are recommended for use on wells used for other purposes. Vents shall be so constructed and installed as to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the well. Vent openings shall be piped water-tight to a point at least 2 feet above the highest flood level which may have occurred in a 10-year period, but in no case less than 1 foot above the top of the well casing. Such vent openings and extensions thereof should not be less than 1/2 inch in diameter, with extension pipe firmly attached thereto. In all cases wherein a well's casing terminates less than 2 feet above the highest flood level which may have occurred in a 10-year period (such as along coastal areas as allowed under §319 A), the vent pipe opening shall continue to be required to terminate at least 2 feet above the highest flood level which may have occurred in a 10-year period. The openings of the vent pipes shall be turned downward and screened to prevent the entrance of insects, foreign matter and other contaminants. Vents will not be required when single-pipe jet pumps are used.

B. Sampling Tap. All public supply and domestic water wells shall be provided with a readily accessible faucet or tap on the well discharge line at the well head for the collection of water samples. The faucet or tap shall be of the smooth nozzle type and turned downward.

C. Concrete Slab

1. When concrete slabs are placed around water wells at ground surface, they should be at least 4 inches thick and extending at least 2 1/2 feet from the well in all directions. The surface of the slab shall be sloped to drain away from the well. The top of the casing shall be at least 1 foot above the top of the slab (see §319. A for flood prone areas). Prior to the slab installation, the contractor shall seal the annular space in accordance with §329 The placement of a slab shall not be considered a substitute for the placement of cement-bentonite slurry in the annular space between the hole and the casing.

2. For wells where a slab is not provided, the ground surface surrounding the well shall be compacted and graded to drain water away from the well.

D. Sanitary Seals. A water-tight sanitary seal shall be installed at the top of the casing for all water wells to prevent the entrance of contaminated water or other objectionable material into the well. Sanitary seals shall be constructed of a durable material such as cast iron, steel, aluminum, high impact plastic, neoprene, or a combination thereof. If a vent and/or an electrical conduit enter the well casing through the sanitary seal the openings shall be made water-tight.

E. Pump/Motor Base. To prevent transmission of vibration to the well casing, all surface-mounted pumps/motors (excluding submersible and single-pipe jet pumps/motors) shall be supported by a concrete base, pier or foundation. The well casing shall not be used to support the weight of the surface-mounted pump/motor, except as noted above. Foundations may either be split pier type or solid pedestal type. For solid pedestal foundations, the well casing shall project at least 1 inch above the level of the foundation.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 38:3091-R.S. 38:3098.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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