PRIVATE WELL PROGRAM
In November 1990, the Common Council adopted the Well Abandonment Ordinance (MGO Section 13.21) to prevent groundwater contamination from unused, unsafe, or non-complying wells. The ordinance requires that a private well shall be properly abandoned or a permit obtained to operate the well. The requirement applies to wells located in the City of Madison or on premises served by the Madison Water Utility.
Well operation permits may be obtained by submitting an application and permit fee to the Water Utility. By ordinance, permits are valid for a period not to exceed five years. Before a permit will be issued, the well must satisfy each of the following three criteria:
- The well and pump installation must comply with provisions of Chapter NR 812 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code,
- The well must produce safe water, as determined by bacteriological analysis, and
- There must be no cross connections between the well and the municipal water system.
After the application and permit fee have been received, the Water Utility will schedule an appointment to inspect the well and ensure that the installation satisfies the above criteria and to collect the first of two water samples. City ordinance requires that two consecutive samples, taken a minimum of two weeks apart, must be bacteriologically safe, that is, free of coliform bacteria.
If the minimum requirements are not met, the private well must be abandoned or corrections must be made to bring the well into compliance before a permit will be issued.
A list of licensed well drillers and pump installers is available on the Department of Natural Resources website.
WELL ABANDONMENT
Domestic wells represent potential conduits or direct pathways for surface contaminants to reach the groundwater supply. For example, holes in the basement floor can easily be mistaken as drains for the sewer system. The proper abandonment of an unused well avoids the possibility of contamination by closing and sealing the connection between the land surface and the groundwater below our feet. As of June 1, 2008, only licensed well drillers and pump installers can fill and seal wells under Wisconsin law. These licensed professionals must follow the regulations codified in Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter NR 812.
WELL ABANDONMENT REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Program Description
Effective January 2010, the City of Madison will offer partial reimbursement of the cost to abandon a private domestic well. Generally, the city and water utility are authorized to reimburse up to fifty percent of the cost to abandon a well, up to a maximum of $1000. Reimbursements are limited to actual realized costs to fill and seal the well, and do not include the cost to connect to City water service. Funds are limited and some restrictions may apply.
Proper abandonment involves pulling the pumping equipment and filling the well with an approved, impermeable material. According to state code and city ordinance, the work must be completed by a licensed well driller or pump installer, and the Madison Water Utility must be given a minimum of 48 hours notice to schedule staff to witness the abandonment.
The following requirements must be met before any payment will be disbursed:
- Notification to the Water Utility at least 48 hours prior to the abandonment
- Completed and signed application
- Original paid receipt from a licensed well driller or pump installer, including an itemized list of the costs
- Submit to the Madison Water Utility a copy of the well abandonment form; the original form must be submitted to the DNR within 10 days of the abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources for Private Well Owners
Department of Natural Resources website
Water Systems Council brochure –
Closing an Abandoned Well
For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Water Utility at 266-4654 or water@cityofmadison.com.
