How do I know if my water well is properly constructed or not?

Testing being performed on an improperly constructed brick-lined water well

Photo by ISWS staff

A properly constructed water well is one that is designed and built to ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply. Here are some key aspects of a properly constructed water well:

Location: The well should be located in an area that is free from sources of contamination, such as septic tanks, livestock, or chemical storage areas. It should also be positioned to prevent surface water runoff from entering the well.
Casing: The well should be constructed with a casing, typically made of steel or PVC, that extends from the surface down into the aquifer. The casing prevents the well from collapsing and helps to prevent surface water from entering the well.
Grout Seal: The space between the casing and the borehole should be properly sealed with grout to prevent contamination from entering the well along the outside of the casing.
Screen: If the well is constructed in a water-bearing formation, it should be equipped with a screen near the bottom of the casing to allow water to enter the well while keeping out sand, gravel, and other debris.
Well Cap: The well should be fitted with a secure and properly vented cap or seal to prevent unauthorized access and to protect the well from contamination and debris.
Pump: The well should be equipped with a pump that is properly sized and installed to provide an adequate supply of water to the intended use.
Water Quality Testing: After construction and regularly thereafter, the water should be tested for quality to ensure that it meets health and safety standards.
Regular Maintenance: Properly constructed wells should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their continued operation and to address any issues that may arise.

How do I know if my water well is not properly constructed?

Having a water well that is not properly constructed is at high risk of becoming contaminated which could lead to serious health risks for anyone who consumes the water from that well. If your well does not have any of the above features, it is most likely not properly constructed. Other signs you can look for include:

Safety Hazards: Look for safety hazards such as a cover that is not solid or able to hold weight.
Contamination Risks: A well that was installed too close to potential sources of contamination, such as septic systems.
Structural Issues: If the well has a broken, compromised, or missing casing, if the well casing is not properly sealed, or if there are any visible signs of deterioration or damage, it may indicate improper construction.
Compliance with Codes: If your well does not meet the current well construction codes set by your state or local authorities, it may not be properly constructed.

Photo by the Washington Department of Ecology

If you suspect that your well is not properly constructed based on any of these signs, it is recommended to contact your state or local public health department, or the department responsible for regulating well construction in your area. They can provide guidance and information on the current codes and regulations, as well as any necessary steps to address the issue.

Additional Resources:

How do I make my well safer? PrivateWellClass.org

Want to learn more about your private well and how to care for it?

Sign up for the free 10-week email course from PrivateWellClass.org. The class is a project of RCAP and the University of Illinois, with funding from USEPA.

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