Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 232 - WELL DRILLERS AND PUMP INSTALLERS RULES
Chapter 4 - NEW WATER WELL CONSTRUCTION
Section 144-232-4-407.0 - RECOMMENDED MINIMUM RECOVERY RATES
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
407.1 Recommended minimum recovery rates for single-family homes: These standards are based on a static water level of approximately 25 feet below ground surface. Every foot of a 6" wells holds approximately 1 1/2 gallons of water.
Table 407.1
Recommended minimum recovery rates
| Well Depth (Feet) | Recovery rates (GPM) |
| 75 | 5 |
| 110 | 4 |
| 160 | 3 |
| 250 | 2 |
| 320 | 1 |
| 420 | 1/2 |
407.2 Hydrofracturing: Hydrofracturing a drinking water well must be performed by a licensed journeyman or master well driller or by individuals in the responsible charge of a licensed well drilling company.
407.3 Water used: All water used in the hydrofracturing of a drinking water well must be from a potable source or be disinfected prior to introduction of the water into the well.
407.4 Packers: All packers used in hydrofracturing must have been designed specifically for use in hydrofracturing including, but not by way of limitation, any mechanical, inflatable or cylinder activated packer. A non-toxic or food grade fluid must be used as an inflation fluid in any such packer.
407.5 Disinfection: All wells hydrofractured must be properly disinfected prior to the well being place in service.
407.6 Notification of neighboring well owners: The owner, operator or person in responsible charge of any public water supply well within 150 feet of a well to be hydrofracted must be notified in writing at least 48 hours before hydrofracturing is to commence. Notification must include a warning that hydrofracturing can cause short term temporary water quality changes in adjacent wells, and a contact name and telephone number of the person in responsible charge of the hydrofracturing process. It is strongly recommended that drillers and hydrofracturing companies provide notification to owners of private wells in close proximity to proposed hydrofracturing sites in form and manner acceptable to the Commission. The Commission shall make available hydrofracturing notification forms for this purpose.
