msteger Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 Some point in the past, I had run across either a PA DEP or US EPA document listing basic requirements for private wells, such as how far away from a neighbor's property line, how far from septic systems, etc. I am trying to find it because I am trying to recall the recommended height of a well cap above grade. I seem to recall it is 12" and this is recommended to help prevent ground water and pesticides from entering the well. I can't find the info now.. Anyone have a good link(s) to provide this info? I did a 'private wells' keyword search on the PA DEP and EPA websites, but didn't find what I was looking for. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 All the wells I've seen, and owned, were regulated by the county health dept. As I recall in general, well stems have to be >18" above grade (so flood waters can't go down the stem to the water table), >50' from any septic field, and the lot line stuff is all over the map dependent on the local requirements. Check your local health dept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 In Indiana wells are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. I have attached our regulations, which indicates they should be 12" or higher. Bryan Download Attachment: Water Well Location Guidelines.pdf 179.21 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteger Posted August 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 Thanks guys for the info. That is what I am looking for but want something official stating that it pertains to PA. Is there anyone here from PA that may have similar info from the PA DEP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 PA does not regulate private well installations, despite many (failed) legislative attempts. Neither the PADEP nor the USEPA have the authority to regulate private wells, so there is no document listing requirements. In PA, some counties and municipalities have ordinances restricting well locations. Check with the county's health department first. Here's the regulations for my county: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/d ... ndRegs.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Simon Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 >50' from any septic field... I'm fairly certain Lake, DuPage and McHenry Counties require 100'. Chicago septic fields might be different (both of 'em). Not that we care, much. In Illinois, jftr, the seller has to pay for well & septic testing, and we HI's can't do such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Hi Matthew, I think that what you are looking for is here. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteger Posted August 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Thanks Mike. Just what I am looking for. I see they recommend the well cap terminate at least 8" above grade in several documents and another document says 12" above grade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 The stuff from the Coop Extension is only voluntary guidelines for homeowners. It is not a list of requirements. In fact, it conflicts with some local PA municipal ordinances. You need to get the actual local requirements for the areas that you are inspecting, like I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteger Posted August 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Thanks. I typically go into any of 5 PA counties. I guess I'll have to make some phone calls tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 I'm fairly certain Lake, DuPage and McHenry Counties require 100'. Chicago septic fields might be different (both of 'em). Not that we care, much. In Illinois, jftr, the seller has to pay for well & septic testing, and we HI's can't do such. Could be....50' was from the last one I installed in Michigan.....this stuff is almost all local/county regulated, regardless of where it's at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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