Sedgwick County has adopted a
“Domestic Water Well Code Resolution No. 190-05”
that went into effect on January 1, 2006. The adoption of the code means
there will be changes in procedures regarding permits, construction
standards, and contractor licensing/registration. The following will
highlight some of these changes.
The Code will cover the unincorporated areas of
Sedgwick County and the second and third class cities of the County whose
governing bodies have adopted the code and entered into an agreement with
the county to authorize enforcement within their municipal boundaries. It
is advised that contractors check with each city to determine if the County
Code is in effect within their boundaries.
Contractor Registration
No person, firm, corporation or other entity can engage
in constructing, reconstructing, plugging or treating water wells without
the following:
-
Hold a valid license issued by the State of Kansas.
-
Maintain liability insurance in the amount of
$300,000.
-
Registering as a water well contractor with Code
Enforcement.
There is no fee or cost to register. Click
here for a registration form.
Permits
A permit must be obtained from Code Enforcement prior
to construction, reconstruction, plugging or treatment of water wells.
Definitions for those terms can be found in the Code. What type of water
well work will require a permit? The following are quick examples:
-
The pump goes out on the well. This will require a
permit because the work requires entry into the casing.
-
The well needs to be treated (chlorinated) to
remove bacteria. This will NOT require a permit.
-
The well needs to be treated to stimulate
production. This will require a permit.
-
The well has been drilled and construction is
complete. Now the water lines need to be run to the house. This will
not require a permit because the permit for the well has already been
issued prior to construction.
-
There is an abandoned water well on your property.
Our code and state law require all abandoned water wells to be plugged.
This will require a permit.
If you are unsure whether or not a permit is required,
contact Code Enforcement prior to commencing the work.
The water well permit must be obtained prior to the
issuance of a building permit on premises where the well will be the private
water supply. A permit will be valid for one year. Permits will cost as
follows:
-
Water Well Permit: $50.00
-
Semi-public Water Supply: $200.00
-
Semi-public Water Supply Annual Operating Permit:
$50.00
Only registered contractors may apply for a permit
unless the applicant is the individual constructing, reconstructing, or
plugging on land owned by them and the well serves only that individual’s
place of abode. Click here
for a form containing information required on a permit.
An inspection is required upon completion of the work
permitted. A copy of the log must be submitted to Code Enforcement within
30 days. Use shall be approved when the well has been satisfactorily
constructed and inspected, and the water analysis results and the drilling
log have been approved.
Water Testing/Analysis
Water testing is required on any newly constructed, reconstructed or
treated water wells. The testing will consist of bacteria and nitrate
analysis at a minimum. The cost for a basic analysis is $45.00 and is the
responsibility of the well owner. Costs are subject to change without
notice. Any additional testing above and beyond the basic analysis will be
the responsibility of the homeowner. Click
here for information
regarding test results.
Water testing is required on any newly constructed, reconstructed or
treated water wells. The testing will consist of bacteria and nitrate
analysis at a minimum. The cost for a basic analysis is $45.00 and is the
responsibility of the well owner. Costs are subject to change without
notice. Any additional testing above and beyond the basic analysis will be
the responsibility of the homeowner. Click
here for
information regarding test results.
Abandoned Water Wells
All abandoned water wells and cased and uncased test holes must be
plugged in accordance with K.A.R. 28-30-1, et seq, as amended. Click
here for a brochure on proper plugging procedures.
Separation Distances
One of the most important aspects of the code is the section regarding
separation distance between the water well and potential pollution sources.
What constitutes a potential pollution source? Sewer lines, septic tanks,
lateral fields, seepage pits and fuel, fertilizer and pesticide storage
areas are all potential pollution sources. The general rule is 50 feet
between the well and these sources although a 10-foot minimum is appropriate
in certain instances (watertight lines and construction).
Properly constructed wells should also be located 25
feet (minimum) from the nearest property line. If public water and sewer
serve both properties and the well is for irrigation purposes only, this
requirement may be waived. Variances may be granted on a case-by-case basis
if warranted.
Flooding and Groundwater Protection
Flooding is a major concern for the protection of
groundwater resources for the simple reason that improperly constructed or
plugged water wells are a direct conduit from the surface to the
groundwater. If a well is located with a mapped flood plain the casing
shall extend 2-feet above the base flood elevation. If the premise has an
established minimum pad elevation the well casing extend to a point at or
above the pad elevation.
Other location considerations include sensitive
groundwater areas as identified by the Water Well Advisory Board and areas
of contamination as identified by the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment. Wells located in these areas may be subject to special
permitting and construction standards.
Click
here to see a diagram of a properly constructed water well.
The
Domestic Water Well Code
Resolution No. 190-05
may be reviewed by clicking on the link located to the left.
If you any question concerning the Code, water wells
in general or groundwater protection please contact James (Monty) Munyon at
316-660-1840.
Water Well Advisory Board
Resolution No. 189-05
©, Copyright, 2006 Sedgwick County Code Enforcement
last update:
08/29/07
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