Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 800 - Environmental Protection - Water Supply
Chapter NR 812 - Well Construction And Pump Installation
Subchapter IV - Standards for Existing Installations
Section NR 812.42 - Criteria for evaluation

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 812.42

Current through August 26, 2024

Each existing water system shall be viewed as an individual unit and its acceptability for use as a source of water shall be determined on the basis of its location, construction, installation, pump discharge piping arrangement, water quality, and sanitary condition. The owner shall provide written documentation verifying the date of construction or installation or both. Existing installations shall meet all of the following requirements:

(1) LOCATION, WELL CONSTRUCTION AND WATER QUALITY.

(a) Location. The well location shall comply with the requirements in effect at the time the well was constructed as shown in Table E, or to the location requirements of s. NR 812.08, whichever is less restrictive. However, if a contamination source was installed after the well was constructed, the well location shall conform to the requirements in effect at the time of installation of the contamination source.

(b) Well construction.
1. The well construction shall comply with the construction requirements in effect at the time the well was constructed or shall be in compliance with any standards or approval issued under ss. NR 812.09 to 812.25, except if the well was constructed prior to April 10, 1953, in which case the well construction shall be in compliance with the standards adopted on April 10, 1953.

2. The well casing pipe shall meet the minimum wall thickness requirements of s. NR 812.11 Table B for its diameter and may not be in a deteriorated condition.

3. For wells in basements or walkout basements, the well casing pipe depth shall be measured from the floor of the basement.

4. Wells completed in unconsolidated formations, including both drilled and driven point wells, shall have minimum well casing pipe depth settings of at least 25 feet below the ground surface, not including the screen; or, if the static water level is deeper than 15 feet, shall have the minimum well casing pipe depth setting at least 10 feet below the static water level.

5. Wells completed in sandstone shall have minimum well casing pipe depth settings below the ground surface as follows:
a. Twenty-five feet for wells constructed before February 1, 1991.

b. Thirty feet for wells constructed on or after February 1, 1991.

6. Wells terminating in limestone or dolomite shall have minimum well casing pipe depth settings below the ground surface as follows:
a. Forty feet for wells constructed before July 1, 2020.

b. Sixty feet when the depth to bedrock is less than 10 feet below the ground surface and the well was constructed between February 1, 1991 and July 1, 2020.

c. Sixty feet when the depth to bedrock is less than 20 feet below the ground surface and the well was constructed after July 1, 2020.

7. Wells terminating in bedrock other than sandstone, limestone, or dolomite shall have a minimum of 40 feet of casing pipe below the ground surface.

(c) Water quality. A well shall produce water free from coliform bacteria and free from contaminant levels in excess of the standards of s. NR 812.06. If the standards of s. NR 812.06 are exceeded, the department may require the water system to be upgraded to meet the requirements of this chapter or may require the well to be filled and sealed according to the criteria and requirements of s. NR 812.26.

TABLE E

HISTORIC MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS BETWEEN EXISTING POTABLE OR NONPOTABLE WELLS, RESERVOIRS, AND SPRINGS AND POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION

Source

Prior to Oct. 1, 1975

Oct. 1, 1975 to Sept. 30, 1981

Oct. 1, 1981 to Jan 31, 1991

Feb. 1, 1991 to Sept. 30, 1994

Oct. 1, 1994 to Sept. 30, 2014

Oct. 1, 2014 to June 30, 2020

Absorption Unit (field), soil [See Soil Absorption Unit] (Also known as a POWTS dispersal component)

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Agricultural crop field

Note: Not a requirement-only a recommendation

None

None

None

None

None

25' recommended

Air shaft-heating/air conditioning (Vertical, Below grade)

None

None

None

None

25'

25'

Animal Barn

-

-

-

-

-

50'

Animal Barn Pen

None

25'

25'

25'

25'

-

Animal Shelter (not including small residential pet shelter or pet kennel housing 5 or fewer adult pets)

None

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Animal Yard-Includes Calf Hutch (but not including residential lot dog kennel enclosing 5 or fewer adult pets)

None

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Barn, Animal

-

-

-

-

-

50'

Barn Gutter

None

25'

25'

25'

25'

50'

Building Overhang (from centerline of well)

2'

2'

2'

2'

2'

None

Cemetery Grave Sites

None

100'

100'

50'

50'

50'

Cistern

10'

10'

10'

8'

8'

8'

Coal Storage (greater than 500 tons)

None

None

None

1,200'

1,200'

1,200'

Composting Site (See Solid Waste Processing Facility)

None

None

None

None

250'

250'

Culvert, stormwater

None

None

None

None

None

8'

Discharge to ground from a Water Treatment Device

None

None

None

25'

25'

None

Ditch-Edge of

None

None

None

None

25'

8'

Doghouse or kennel housing 5 or fewer adult pets on residential lot

None

None

None

50'

8'

8'

Downspout Outlet (Rainwater, including the discharge therefrom)

10'

10'

10'

8'

8'

None

Drain - Sanitary building (having pipe conforming to ch. SPS 384) (Buried)

10'

8'

8'

8'

8'

8'

Drain - Sanitary building (not having pipe conforming to ch. SPS 384) (Buried)

10'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

DRAIN (any material) (Buried)

- Clear Water Drain

10'

10'

10'

8'

8'

None

- Building-Foundation Drain

10'

10'

10'

8'

8'

None

- Building-Foundation Drain-Sewer Connected

15'

15'

15'

8'

8'

None

Drillhole used for the underground placement of any waste, surface water or any substance as defined in s. 160.01(8), Stats.

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Fertilizer or Pesticide Storage Tank (any size, surface or buried) (This distance applies only for nonpotable wells)

None

None

None

8'

8'

8'

Fertilizer or Pesticide, any size Buried Storage Tank Surface tank 1,500 gal (This distance applies only for potable wells)

None

None

None

100'

100'

100'

Filter Strip

None

None

None

50'

50'

50'

Fuel Oil Tank-Buried

None

100' (25' Allowed for Private Res. Lots Only)

100' (25' Allowed for Private Res. Lots Only)

100' (Including any associated buried piping) (25' allowed for tanks serving single family residences)

100' (Including any associated buried piping) (25' allowed for tanks serving single family residences)

100' (Including any associated buried piping) (25' allowed for tanks serving single family residences)

Fuel Oil Tank Serving a Single -Family Residence

None

25' Allowed for Private Res. Lots Only

25' Allowed for Private Res. Lots Only

25'

25'

25' (Including any associated piping)

Fuel Oil Tank-Surface (1,500 gallons) (including any associated piping)

None

None

None

100'

100'

100' (Including any associated piping)

Fuel Oil Tank-Surface (1,500 gallons)

None

None

None

None

None

25'

Fertilizer or Pesticide (Dry) Storage Area or Building (more than 100 pounds)

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Gasoline or Other Petroleum or Liquid Product Tank - Buried (Does not apply to separation distance between Liquid Propane tanks and wells serving single family residences)

None

100'

100'

100' (Including any associated buried piping)

100'

(Including

any associated

buried piping)

100' (Including any associated piping)

Gasoline or Other Petroleum or Liquid Product Tank-Surface ( 1,500 gallons, including any associated buried piping)

None

None

None

None

None

25'

Gasoline or Other Petroleum or Liquid Product Tank-Surface (1,500 gallons, including any associated buried piping)

None

None

None

100'

100'

100'

Glass Lined Feed Storage Facility (Harvester-Type Silos)

None

25'

25'

50'

50'

50'

Grease Interceptor (Trap) (Buried)

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility Regulated by the department

None

None

None

1,200'

1,200'

1,200'

Heat exchange drillhole

None

None

None

None

None

None

Holding Tank (Wastewater) (Also known as a POWTS holding component)

None

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

Infiltration basin or system, Stormwater

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Junkyard or Scrap Yard

None

None

None

250'

250'

250'

Kennel on residential lot enclosing 5 or fewer adult pets

None

None

None

50'

8'

8'

Kennel, other than above

None

None

None

50'

50'

50'

Lagoon, Treatment (See liquid waste disposal system)

-

-

-

-

-

--

Lake Shoreline (Measured to the edge of the floodway)

None

25'

25'

(60' For

Schools and

High Cap.

Wells)

25'

25'

25'

Landfills (existing, proposed or abandoned) (Distance to Nearest Fill Area of abandoned landfills if Known; Otherwise to the Property Line)

None

400 yards

400 yards

1,200'

1,200'

1,200'

Lift Station

--

--

--

--

100'

100'

Liquid Propane (L.P.) gas tank (buried) (Applies only to wells serving a single-family residence. For other wells see s. NR 812.04(4) (d) 1.)

None

None

None

None

None

8'

Liquid Waste Disposal System

None

250'

250'-300'

250'

250'

250'

Manure Hopper or Reception Tank-Liquid-Tight

None

75'

75'-150'

50'

50'

50'

Manure Loading Area

None

None

None

None

50'

50'

Manure Stack -Temporary

None

100'

100'

250'

150'

150'

Manure-Storage Structure (Earthen, Excavated or Non-liquid tight)

None

250'

250'-300'

250'

250'

250'

Manure Storage Structure (Fabricated, Liquid-Tight)

None

100'

100'-175'

100'

100'

100'

Manure-Storage Basin-Liquid-Tight Concrete Floor with an Acceptable Drainage Facility

None

100'

150'-300'

Now in category of Manure Storage Structure

Now in category of Manure Storage Structure

Now in category of Manure Storage Structure

Milk house drain outlet

None

None

None

None

None

50'

Mound System (Measured to the toe of the mound) (Also known as POWTS dispersal component.)

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Nonpotable Well

None

None

None

8'

8'

8'

Pesticide or Fertilizer (Dry) Storage Area or Building (More than 100 Pounds)

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Pesticide or Fertilizer Storage Tank (not buried)-less than 1,500 gallons (this distance applies only for non-potable wells)

None

None

None

8'

8'

8'

Pesticide or Fertilizer Storage Tank-Buried tank, any size, or any surface tank 1,500 gal (this distance applies only for potable wells)

None

None

None

100'

100'

100'

Pet Waste Pit Disposal Unit

None

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Pet animal shelter or kennel on residential lot and housing not more than 5 adult pets.

None

None

None

50'

8'

8'

Pet animal shelter or kennel housing more than 5 adult pets or not on residential lot.

None

None

None

50'

50'

50'

Petroleum Product Tank-Surface - less than 1,500 gallons capacity

None

None

None

None

None

25'

Petroleum Product Tank-Surface - greater than or equal to 1,500 gallons capacity

None

None

None

None

None

100'

Pits-Noncomplying

None

10'

10' (20' For Schools, WWTPs, and High Capacity-Including Approved Pits)

8'

8'

8'

Plastic Silage Storage and Transfer Tube

None

None

None

8'

8'

50'

Pond (Measured to nearest high-water edge)

None

None

None

None

None

25'

Pond, Stormwater detention (Edge of)

None

None

None

None

25'

25'

Pond, synthetically-lined decorative yard pond on a residential lot

--

--

--

--

--

None

Pond, treatment (See liquid waste disposal system)

--

--

--

--

--

--

POWTS holding component (Also known as a holding tank.)

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

POWTS treatment component

(Includes septic tanks, aerobic treatment units or filters)

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

POWTS dispersal component (Also known as a soil absorption unit or mound.)

50'

50'

50' (200' for schools)

50' (200' for schools)

50' (200' for schools)

50' (200' for schools)

Privy (Also known as pit privy)

50' (Sewage Disposal Units)

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Quarry (See s. NR 812.12(4) for well casing depth well construction requirements for wells to be constructed within 500 feet of a quarry or within 1,200 prior to October 1, 2014)

-

-

-

1200'

1200'

500'

Recycling Facility

None

None

None

None

None

100'

Reservoir-Noncomplying

10' (Cistern)

10'

10'

8'

8'

8'

Ridge and Furrow System (See liquid waste disposal system)

River or Stream Edge (Measured to the edge of the floodway)

None

25'

25' (60' For Schools and High Cap. Wells)

25'

25'

25'

Salt or Deicing Material Storage Area (Including structure and area surrounding where material is transferred to vehicles) (This category includes sand & salt mixtures if salt content of mixture is 5% or more)

None

None

None

250'

250'

250'

Salvage Yard

None

None

None

250'

250'

250'

Scrap Metal Processing Facility

None

None

None

None

None

100'

Septage Landspreading Area

None

None

None

None

None

25'

Note: Not a requirement-only a recommendation

recommended

Septic Tank

(Also known as a POWTS treatment component)

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

SEWER (ch. SPS 384 Materials) (Buried)

-Manure/Gravity sewer

8'

8'

8'

25'

25'

25'

-Manure/Pressurized sewer

8'

8'

25'

25'

25'

25'

-Sanitary Building/Gravity sewer

8'

8'

8'

8'

8'

8'

-Sanitary Building/Pressurized sewer

8'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

-Sanitary Collector sewer (Serving = 4 living units or = 6''diameter)

8'

50'

50'

50'

25'

25'

-Sanitary Collector sewer (Serving 4 living units or 6'' diameter)

8'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

-Influent sewer

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

-Storm Collector sewer (=6'' diameter)

8'

50'

50'

50'

25'

8'

-Storm Collector sewer ( 6'' diameter)

8'

50'

50'

50'

50'

8'

SEWER (not ch. SPS 384 Materials) (Buried)

-Manure/Gravity sewer

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

-Manure/Pressurized sewer

25'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

-Sanitary Building/gravity sewer

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

-Sanitary Building/Pressurized sewer

25'

25'

25'

25'

50'

50'

-Storm Building sewer

25'

25'

25'

25'

8'

None

-Sanitary Collector sewer

25'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

-Storm Collector sewer

25'

50'

50'

50'

50'

8'

-Influent sewer

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Shoreline-Lake, River or Stream [Measured as indicated in subd. (4) (b) 7.]

None

25'

25' (60' For Schools and High Capacity Wells)

25'

25'

25'

Silage Storage, Earthen Trench or Pit

None

100'

100'- 175'

250'

250'

250'

Silage Storage Structure (Fabricated liquid-tight) (In-ground or surface)

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Silage Storage-Surface, Uncovered

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Silage Storage Tube (Plastic)

None

None

None

8'

8'

50'

Silo With Pit

None

50'

50'

50'

50'

50'

Silo Without Pit But With Concrete Floor and Drain

None

25'

25'

50'

50'

50'

Single application landspreading of petroleum-contaminated soil

-

-

-

-

250'

250'

Sludge Drying Bed, Liquid-tight

None

None

None

None

None

100'

Sludge Landspreading or Drying Area

None

200'

200'

250'

250'

25'

Note: Not a requirement-only a recommendation

recommended

Soil Absorption Unit (=12,000 gal/day, includes alternate unit) (Also known as POWTS dispersal component)

50'

50'

50' (200' for schools as of 1978)

50' (200' for schools)

50' (200' for schools)

50' (200' for schools)

Soil Absorption Unit (=12,000 gal/day, existing or abandoned) (Also known as POWTS dispersal component)

50'

50'

50' (200' for schools as of 1978)

250'

250'

250'

Solid Waste Processing Facility (Including composting facilities)

None

None

None

None

250'

250'

Solid Waste Site (Distance to Nearest Fill Area or Proposed Fill Area If Known; Otherwise to the Property Line) (See Landfill)

None

400 yards

400 yards

1,200'

1,200'

1,200'

Solid Waste Transfer Facility

None

None

None

None

250'

250'

Spray Irrigation Waste Disposal Site (See liquid waste disposal system)

Stormwater detention pond or basin

None

None

None

None

25'

25'

Stormwater infiltration basin or system

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Sump Clear water

None

None

None

8'

8'

None

Sump-Wastewater (Watertight) (formerly cast-iron equivalent)

None

8'

8'

25'

25'

8'

Sump-Wastewater (not watertight or equivalent to cast iron)

None

25'

25'

25'

25'

25'

Swimming Pool (from edge of water)

None

25' (Below ground)

25' (Below ground)

25' (Below ground)

8' (above or below ground)

8' (above or below ground)

Temporary Manure Stack

None

100'

100'

250'

150'

150'

Vegetated Treatment Area (Previously known as a Filter Strip)

None

None

None

50'

50'

50'

Waste Disposal Site (See Landfill)

Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Pipe

None

None

None

50'

50'

50'

Wastewater Treatment Plant Structure, Conveyance or Treatment Unit

None

None

150'

100'

100'

100'

Well or drillhole used for underground placement of any waste, surface water or any substance as defined in s. 160.01, Stats.

None

None

None

None

100'

100'

Yard Hydrant

None

10'

10'

8'

8'

None, but not allowed to be installed in or on well.

(2) PITS AND ALCOVES. Existing well or pressure tank pits and alcoves constructed after April 10, 1953 shall comply with the minimum requirements specified in s. NR 812.36(2). When a well in a pit is filled and sealed, the pit shall be filled in accordance with s. NR 812.26(5) (m) unless the pit is a complying valve pit. If a building is constructed over a well pit or alcove, the well shall meet the requirements of a basement well as specified in s. NR 812.42(9). Pits and alcoves constructed on or before April 10, 1953 shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(a) Construction. The entire pit or alcove, including the roof, shall be constructed of reinforced watertight poured concrete. If the pit or alcove has a history of being continuously dry, walls of concrete block, brick, or stone with mortared joints are allowed. The walls, floor and roof shall be crack-free and watertight. The junction of walls and floors and all openings in the structure shall be sealed watertight. The roof or deck shall be at or above the ground surface. Requirements for existing pits are shown in Figure 10 of ch. NR 812 Appendix. Requirements for existing alcoves are shown in Figure 11 of ch. NR 812 Appendix.

(b) Access. The pit or alcove shall be provided with a manhole opening, having a raised curbing edge at least 4 inches higher than the pit or alcove roof. A structurally substantial, waterproof, overlapping, tight-fitting cover with skirted sides shall be provided for the manhole. A watertight, cast-iron manhole frame and cover bolted in place with a gasket may be substituted for a curbed manhole. An alcove adjoining a basement or a pit not having the manhole centered over the well may have a section of well casing pipe installed directly above the well. This pipe shall be equal in size or larger than the well casing pipe and it shall be sealed with an approved well seal or cap.

(c) Drainage. An alcove adjoining a basement where the basement is subject to flooding shall be discontinued for use as a well pit and the well shall be filled and sealed according to s. NR 812.26. The alcove need not be filled and sealed. A pit or alcove drain or sump pump discharge pipe may not be directly connected to a sewer or other plumbing system. If the alcove drain discharge pipe is discharging to the ground surface, the end of the discharge pipe shall be screened.

(d) Casing height. The well casing pipe shall terminate at least 6 inches above the floor of a pit or alcove and shall be provided with a one-piece sanitary well seal approved for use under s. NR 812.091.
1. If the well casing pipe does not extend at least 6 inches above the floor, the pit or alcove may remain in service only if all of the following apply:
a. The well location meets the minimum standards of sub. (1) (a).

b. The well construction meets the minimum standards of sub. (1) (b), verified by measuring the well casing pipe depth in accordance with sub. (7) (c) 3., if no confirmable well construction report can be found for the well. Well details, including location, well casing pipe depth, total well depth, distances to possible contaminant sources and well owner information shall be entered on a form and submitted to the department in accordance with s. NR 812.10(15).

c. The pit or alcove structure meets the requirements of this section.

d. The well casing pipe is extended up and out of the pit or alcove to 12 inches above the outside grade in accordance with sub. (12). For situations where the well would create an obstruction, including in a stoop, sidewalk, breezeway, driveway, garage or patio, making it impractical to raise the well casing pipe up and out of the alcove, the well casing pipe may be raised to a height just below the ceiling of the alcove structure in accordance with sub. (12).

2. If the floor of an alcove is lower than the basement floor, the alcove floor shall be raised to a height at least even with the basement floor by pouring concrete.

3. If the raised alcove floor results in the well casing pipe terminating less than 6 inches above the floor, then the well casing pipe shall be extended as specified in sub. (2) (d) 1. d. and in accordance with sub. (12).

(e) Pit venting. Well pit vent pipes, if used, shall be located in opposite corners. One pipe shall extend to within one foot of the pit floor and the other extend only down through the pit roof. The upper end of each vent pipe shall extend watertight through the pit roof and terminate with a reverse bend and screened outlet.

(3) NONCOMPLYING PITS AND ALCOVES.

(a) Noncomplying pit structures. When a pit structure does not meet the minimum construction requirements of sub. (2) or when water gains access to a pit through the floor or walls, the floor and at least one wall of the pit shall be perforated and the pit shall be filled after properly extending the well casing pipe above grade in accordance with sub. (12) or after properly filling and sealing the existing well according to s. NR 812.26. Before the pit is filled, all water system components, including the pressure tank, pump, discharge piping, electrical wiring and conduit, and any treatment equipment shall be removed from the pit.

(b) Noncomplying alcoves. If the pit is an alcove, the alcove does not need to be filled, except when the alcove floor is lower than the basement floor, in which case the floor shall be raised to a height at least even with the basement floor by pouring concrete. To allow for easy removal of the pump for servicing or replacement, this casing extension may be made with the use of a threaded and coupled joint.

(c) Other modifications to pit or alcove. Any other modifications to a pit or alcove allowed under this chapter shall meet the requirements of s. NR 812.36.

(3m) VALVE PITS AND ALCOVES. Existing pits and alcoves used only for the housing of valves are exempt from the requirements of this section except that a pit or alcove used for this purpose shall be watertight, may not be connected to a sewer, shall be drained to permeable soil or to the ground surface, and may not be subject to flooding.

(4) RESERVOIRS.

(a) An existing reservoir shall be constructed of steel or reinforced concrete. If constructed with concrete, the roof shall be watertight, reinforced, poured concrete having a thickness of at least 5 inches. The walls and floor of the reservoir shall be watertight and constructed of reinforced, poured concrete or equivalent watertight construction.

(b) The manhole curbing shall extend at least 12 inches above the established ground grade. If the reservoir roof terminates above the established ground grade, the curbing shall terminate at least 6 inches above the reservoir roof. The manhole shall be provided with a waterproof, tight-fitting, overlapping metal cover with skirted sides.

(c) A reservoir overflow pipe shall be installed watertight just under the roof of the reservoir and entirely above the established ground grade. It shall terminate at a point at least 12 inches above the established ground grade with a screened, downturned elbow. If an existing overflow pipe is totally buried between the reservoir and its outlet, it shall be eliminated by properly sealing the pipe with concrete at the reservoir.

(d) A gravity discharge pipe to the reservoir shall extend entirely above established ground grade and through the roof of the reservoir or manhole curbing. Service pipe connections shall be sealed watertight. A pressurized service pipe may be connected to the reservoir below ground grade provided it is under a continuous pressure which is greater than the ground surface elevation.

(e) The reservoir shall meet the location requirements in effect at the time of its construction.

(f) When a below ground-grade reservoir or a buried pressure tank pit is to be abandoned, it shall be permanently filled and sealed when the well or drillhole is filled and sealed. The reservoir shall be filled according to the filling and sealing requirements specified in s. NR 812.26(5) (m) for well pits.

(g) The owner shall permanently fill and seal a reservoir if any of the following apply:
1. The location or construction of the reservoir does not meet the requirements of this chapter.

2. It poses a hazard to health or safety.

3. It has been taken out of service or has not been used for 2 or more years.

(h) A reservoir shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and provide water free from coliform bacteria and free from contaminant levels in excess of the standards specified in s. NR 812.06.

(5) DUG WELLS. An existing dug well may be continued in service only if it produces water free from coliform bacteria and free from contaminant levels in excess of the standards specified in s. NR 812.06. Use of dug wells is not recommended by the department. A dug well may not be reconstructed without approval under s. NR 812.09(4) (m). Existing dug wells shall meet the following minimum construction requirements:

(a) Curbing. The curbing of every dug well shall be of watertight reinforced poured concrete or at least 3/16 inch thick steel curbing with watertight joints. Fieldstone curbing may not be used. The curbing shall extend above grade at least 8 inches and be protected from flooding. An open annular space may not exist around the dug well curbing.

(b) Depth. If the well was dug after June, 1975, the watertight curbing shall extend to a depth of at least 25 feet below ground surface and the well shall produce water free from coliform bacteria. If the well was dug prior to June, 1975, the watertight curbing shall extend to at least the 15-foot depth and the well shall produce water free from coliform bacteria.

(c) Cover. The dug well cover shall be of watertight, reinforced concrete at least 5 inches thick and wide enough to overlap the curbing by at least 2 inches. It shall provide a tight seal and be free of joints. A steel well casing pipe sleeve meeting the requirement for potable well casing pipe specified in s. NR 812.11(6) shall extend watertight through the cover to provide access for installing the pump. The steel well casing pipe sleeve shall extend at least 8 inches above the cover and have an approved well cap or a one-piece well seal.

(d) Equipment location. Pumping equipment or attachments may not be installed for a dug well so that access to the interior of the well will be required for maintenance or repair.

(6) PUMP AND PUMP DISCHARGE INSTALLATIONS. Pump installations installed prior to February 1, 1991 shall conform to the following requirements:

(a) Residential up to three families. Installations for water supplies serving a maximum total of 3 families in residential units shall meet the following requirements:
1. The subsurface connection to the well casing pipe may be made with an approved weld-on pitless adapter or with an approved pitless unit provided the adapter or unit is installed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.31.

2.
a. Any buried suction pipe shall be contained in a sealed pressurized conduit or a nonpressurized conduit, if the nonpressurized conduit was installed before February 1, 1991 (Figures 12 and 13 of ch. NR 812 Appendix). The nonpressurized conduit shall meet the pipe requirements of Table B between the connection to the well casing pipe and a basement, or shall be properly connected to the well with an approved pitless adapter or pitless unit designed for and used with a concentric piping arrangement. Unprotected buried suction lines not enclosed in conduit may not be used.

Note: Unprotected buried suction lines have never been allowed by the Wisconsin Well and Pump Code.

b. Nonpressurized conduits shall have been welded watertight or threaded watertight to the well casing pipe and shall be at least 4 inches in diameter and shall enter the basement such that the bottom of the conduit is at least 6 inches above the basement floor.

Note: Nonpressurized conduits to protect buried suction lines were only allowed before February 1, 1991 and then only for installations serving three or fewer homes.

c. A nonpressurized conduit may extend at an angle up through a basement floor, or up through a concrete slab floor of a building having no basement, provided the lowest end of the conduit is at least 6 inches above the floor.

d. The basement end of a nonpressurized conduit shall be sealed with a watertight seal.

3. Buried submersible pump discharge pipes connected to pitless adapters or pitless units shall conform to the requirements specified in s. NR 812.11(6) for steel pipe or shall conform to the requirements in the "Pipe and Tubing for water services and private water mains" table in ch. SPS 384. This pipe shall be maintained under system pressure at all times. No check valve may be placed in the pump discharge line between a pitless adapter or unit and a pressure tank or other pressure vessel. The check valve shall be located either at the top of the submersible pump, in that portion of the discharge pipe within the well or on the spool of an approved spool-type pitless unit.

(b) Residential more than three families. Installations for non-community water systems and water systems serving more than 3 families in residential units except high capacity and school wells shall meet all of the following requirements:
1. The subsurface connection to the well casing pipe may be made with a factory-assembled pitless unit provided the unit is approved and installed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.31.

2. All suction pipe for off-set pump installations shall be enclosed in a sealed pressurized conduit between the connection to the well casing pipe and a basement, or shall be connected to the well with an approved factory-assembled pitless unit designed for and having a concentric pressurized piping arrangement. Unprotected buried suction lines or suction lines enclosed in nonpressurized conduits may not be used. The pipe for a pressurized conduit shall meet the requirements of Table B and shall enter the basement such that any pump suction pipe in the basement not enclosed in a pressurized conduit shall be at least 6 inches above the basement floor.

3. Buried submersible pump discharge pipes connected to pitless units shall meet the requirements of sub. (6) (a) 3.

4. When an existing off-set pump installation using a nonpressurized conduit has been or will be converted to a submersible pump installation, the nonpressurized conduit shall be completely eliminated by cutting off the well casing pipe below the nonpressurized conduit, extending the well casing pipe to at least 12 inches above grade in accordance with sub. (12) and installing pressurized discharge piping according to the requirements of ss. NR 812.28, 812.31, and 812.32(4).

(c) School and high capacity wells. Pump installations for water supplies serving schools, and high capacity wells shall be provided with an above-ground discharge meeting the minimum requirements of s. NR 812.32.

(d) Pit pump location. A pump located in a conforming pit or alcove shall be installed to allow the sealing of the top of the well with an approved one-piece sanitary well seal.

(e) Hand pumps. Hand pumps may be continued in service if the pump base flange is bolted watertight to a well casing pipe flange and has a gasket seal; if the pump is firmly threaded to the well casing pipe; or if the structured base of the pump has recesses and is bolted to the top of the well casing pipe.

(f) Pump connections to reservoirs. If water is pumped to a reservoir, the piping attachment to the pump shall be made with watertight pipe fittings. The discharge pipe from the pump shall enter the reservoir in a watertight manner through that portion of the structure extending above the ground grade, unless a subsurface reservoir supply pipe is connected to the well by an approved pitless adapter and the supply pipe can be maintained under a continuous pressure head which is greater than the ground surface elevation. In such case the supply pipe shall terminate near the bottom of the reservoir. A float control switch or low and high water level electrical pump-control elements may be provided to control the pump. A check valve may be installed only in the portion of the pump discharge pipe located within the well.

(g) Pump installations for flowing wells. Pump installations for flowing wells shall meet the requirements of s. NR 812.32(9).

(7) CASING HEIGHT.

(a) When a well is not terminated in a basement, in a walkout basement, in a pit, or in an alcove, the well casing pipe shall extend above grade as follows:
1. Low capacity wells, except school and wastewater treatment plant wells, constructed before February 1, 1991 shall terminate at least 8 inches above established ground grade,

2. High capacity, school and wastewater treatment plant wells shall terminate at least 12 inches above established ground grade, and

3. All wells constructed on or after February 1, 1991 shall terminate at least 12 inches above established ground grade.

4. All wells located in a floodplain shall extend at least 2 feet above the regional flood elevation for the well site.

(b) When the height of a well casing pipe does not meet the requirements of this section, it shall be extended in accordance with subs. (11) and (12) to a height at least 12 inches above ground grade or above the floor of a pumphouse; or, if applicable, 2 feet above the regional flood elevation.

(c)
1. When a well is terminated in a basement, a below-grade crawl space, in a walkout basement, in a pit or in an alcove, the well casing pipe shall extend 6 inches above the floor of the structure.

2. When the height of a well casing pipe does not meet the requirements of this section, it shall be extended in accordance with sub. (12) to a height at least 12 inches above the floor of the structure, except that for wells extended out of pits and alcoves the well casing pipe shall be extended at least 12 inches above the outside ground grade. When the well would create an obstruction to pedestrian passage, the well casing pipe may be raised to a height just below the ceiling of the alcove structure.

3. The well casing pipe may only be extended if the well meets the well casing pipe depth requirements of sub. (1) (b). If it does not meet the requirements of sub. (1) (b), the well shall be filled and sealed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.26. The well casing pipe depth shall be measured before extending the well casing pipe, if there is no confirmable well construction report for the well. Well details, including location, well casing pipe depth, total well depth, distances to possible contaminant sources, and well owner information shall be entered on a form and submitted to the department in accordance with s. NR 812.10(15).

(8) EXISTING WELL SEALS AND CAPS.

(a) A noncomplying well cap or well seal shall be replaced with an approved well cap or well seal in any of these situations:
1. The existing cap or seal, or the electrical conduit is broken or damaged,

2. The well is entered for the purpose of installing, replacing, or repairing the pump or any other equipment located within the well.

3. The well is entered for the purpose of reconstructing or rehabilitating the well.

(c) Split-plate well seals may only be used when the well is located in a pumphouse or a building.

(d) No open holes, other than an optional screened well vent, may exist in a new replacement well cap or well seal.

(e) Approved well caps or approved well seals shall be installed by licensed water well drillers or registered water well drilling businesses, or licensed pump installers or registered pump installing businesses.

(9) WELLS IN BASEMENTS AND WALKOUT BASEMENTS.

(a) Wells in basements and below-grade crawl spaces, not including wells in alcoves.
1. Wells constructed after April 10, 1953 terminating in basements or wells constructed after July of 1951 terminating under a building addition shall be permanently filled and sealed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.26.

2. Wells terminating in basements or below-grade crawl spaces shall meet the general requirements of s. NR 812.42(1).

3. Screens may not be replaced on driven point wells terminating in or extending through basements or below-grade crawl spaces. When a driven point well screen needs replacement, the driven point well shall be permanently filled and sealed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.26. Any replacement well shall meet the requirements for new wells in this chapter.

4. Wells terminating in basements or below grade crawl spaces may remain in service if all of the following conditions are met:
a. The well was installed before April 10, 1953.

b. If the well is a driven point, the point was never replaced after April 10, 1953.

c. The well produces water free from contaminant levels in excess of the standards of s. NR 812.06.

d. The well casing pipe depth meets the requirements of sub. (1) (b).

e. The well and pump installation are in compliance with all other requirements of this chapter.

(b) Wells in walkout basements. Wells terminating in walkout basements may remain in service if all of the following conditions are met:
1. It is possible to walk directly outside from the walkout basement without walking upstairs or upslope.

2. The surface of the ground around the outside exit door of the walkout basement slopes down away from the door.

3. The well and pump installation are accessible for repair and removal.

4. The well produces water free from contaminant levels in excess of the standards of s. NR 812.06.

5. The well casing pipe depth meets the requirements of sub. (1) (b).

6. The well and pump installation are in compliance with all other requirements of this chapter.

7. The walkout basement is not subject to flooding.

8. The walkout basement is not in a floodway or floodplain.

9. The well is sealed watertight where the well casing exits the basement floor.

(10) DRIVEWAY RAMPS. A well may terminate within a driveway ramp if the installation complies with the requirements for driveway ramps in s. NR 812.36(3).

(11) WORK ON EXISTING INSTALLATIONS.

(a) Pits and alcoves, noncompliant casing height or well deepening. Before extending any well casing pipe out of a pit or alcove, extending casing when the height is noncompliant, or deepening a well constructed by another individual, the well driller or the pump installer shall measure the well casing pipe depth to verify that the casing depth complies with the rules in effect at the time the well casing was installed including any special well casing depth area requirements or variances, if no confirmable well construction report can be found for the well. Well details, including location, well casing pipe depth, total well depth, distances to possible contaminant sources, and well owner information shall be entered on a form and submitted to the department in accordance with s. NR 812.10(15).

(am) Reconstruction. A well constructed in violation of the requirements in effect at the time of construction or a well constructed to meet the requirements in effect at the time of construction but not according to the construction requirements of ss. NR 812.09 to 812.15 may not be reconstructed.

(b) Sample Faucet. When doing any pump work involving replacement of the pressure tank, or work involving the water supply piping inside the basement or building, the pump installer shall install sample faucets that meet the requirements specified in s. NR 812.34 if any are missing. The pump installer shall also replace any sample faucet that does not comply with the requirements of s. NR 812.34, including replacement of any threaded sample faucet with a sample faucet without threads. The pump installer or well owner may not file the threads off a noncomplying sample faucet.

(c) Casing height.
1. When doing any water well work or pump installing work that involves entry into a well located outside a building, the water well driller or pump installer shall extend the well casing pipe to at least:
a. 12 inches above grade for any well that is less than 8 inches above grade and was installed before February 1, 1991.

b. 12 inches above grade for any well that is less than 12 inches above grade and was installed on or after February 1, 1991.

2. When the well casing height above grade does not comply with subd. 1. a. or b., the well driller or the pump installer shall measure the well casing pipe depth to verify that the well casing pipe depth complies with the rules in effect at the time that the well was constructed, if there is no confirmable well construction report available for the well. Well details, including location, well casing pipe depth, total well depth, distances to possible contaminant sources and well owner information shall be entered on a form and submitted to the department in accordance with s. NR 812.10(15).

3. The extension of the well casing pipe shall be in accordance with sub. (12).

(d) Well cap or seal. When doing any water well work or pump installing work that involves entry into a well, the well driller or pump installer shall replace any unapproved well cap or seal with an approved well cap or sanitary well seal.

(e) Nonpressurized conduit. When any water well drilling work or pump installing work is performed involving entry into a well that has a nonpressurized conduit and the nonpressurized conduit may continue to be used, the well driller or pump installer shall evaluate the integrity of the nonpressurized conduit and its connection to the well casing pipe by performing a pressure test. The nonpressurized conduit shall be tested and proven watertight under a pressure of not less than 14 psi. The pressure shall be maintained for at least 30 minutes. If the nonpressurized conduit fails the pressure test, the installation shall be changed to a pitless connection. The nonpressurized conduit shall be completely eliminated by cutting off the well casing pipe below the nonpressurized conduit and extending the well casing pipe to at least 12 inches above grade and installing pressurized discharge piping according to the requirements of ss. NR 812.28, 812.31 and 812.32(4). The extension of the well casing pipe shall be in accordance with sub. (12).

(f) Corrections. The features specified in pars. (a) to (e) must be corrected and may not be noted on a noncomplying features form instead of correcting the noncomplying feature or testing the nonpressurized conduit.

(12) WELL CASING HEIGHT EXTENSIONS FOR STEEL WELL CASING PIPE.

(a) The well casing pipe in the ground may only be extended up if it has the minimum wall thickness for its diameter according to the requirements of s. NR 812.11(6) Table B and is not in a deteriorated condition. If it does not meet these requirements, the well shall be filled and sealed according to the requirements of s. NR 812.26. The well casing pipe extension (riser pipe) shall meet the requirements of s. NR 812.11(6) and shall be attached to the top of the existing casing by any of the following methods:
1. Cutting off the well casing pipe in the ground squarely, providing a bevel for the top of the well casing pipe and making a watertight weld between the beveled end of the well casing pipe and the beveled end of the riser pipe.

2. Cutting threads on the top of the well casing pipe and the bottom of the riser pipe with a pipe die and using a full-standard recessed threaded coupling to provide a watertight connection between the two pipes.

3. Welding a properly-sized, snug-fitting, pipe nipple, beveled on the lower end and having threads on the upper end, and meeting the requirements of s. NR 812.11(6) to the beveled end of the well casing pipe. The pipe nipple shall be welded on the inside and the outside contact surfaces of the pipe nipple. A threaded riser pipe shall be screwed onto the top of the welded on pipe nipple.

4. Reaming out the threads of a full standard recessed coupling, at least 1/3 the length of the coupling, and welding the coupling to the top of the cut-off well casing pipe with a fillet weld on the inside and outside contact surfaces of the coupling. The riser pipe shall be threaded into the top of the coupling.

5. The threaded lower end of a riser pipe may not be welded to the cut-off end of a well casing pipe.

6. Riser pipe may not be connected to the well casing pipe by means of a compressible joint.

(13) DISINFECTION, FLUSHING AND SAMPLING. When working on existing water wells or pump installations, the well and water system shall be:

(a) Disinfected and flushed in accordance with s. NR 812.41.

(b) Sampled in accordance with s. NR 812.46.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin 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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