Private Wells
As COVID-19 continues to impact us locally, we will be closing all Public Health Madison & Dane County offices to the public effective Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Although this decision was not arrived at easily, it is a decision that we needed to make. We are prioritizing preserving the health and safety of our staff and clients while continuing to maintain our ability to provide essential services, including our response to COVID-19.
We will continue providing services through alternate avenues, detailed below, but at this time we are reducing our direct contact with the public.
The Lab will be reducing testing services. Specifically:
- The lab will stop receiving private water samples from the public until further notice. Current samples will be processed.
- Some project water samples (Zoo, Pools, Water Utility) will continue to be analyzed.
- We will have lab staff available if emergency water testing is needed.
- The lab will continue respond to illicit discharge via the online complaint system.
The Well and Septic program will continue regular services. Specifically:
- Services will continued in the field while maintaining social distancing.
- Permits will only be received via mail or online.
- Response to program related questions will be handled via phone and e-mail.
Proper well location and maintenance reduces the chance for water contaminants impacting health. We issue Well Location Permits and offer water testing services.
Well Location Permits
Before a private well is constructed in Dane County, the property owner is required to obtain a Well Location Permit. This permit is issued by us to help ensure that private wells are located with the proper setbacks form potential sources of contamination.
For more details about this permit and the process for constructing a well in Dane County, please call (608) 242-6515.
A Well Construction Permit is also needed from the DNR. A licensed well professional usually handles this for the owner.
Well Maintenance
For basic information about well water system maintenance, see Tips on Maintaining Your Well. Information is also provided on Disinfecting Contaminated Wells.
Well Water Testing Recommendations
- You should test your well water every year for contaminants including coliform bacteria and nitrates. Water should also be tested if you notice any change in taste, odor or appearance, or after flooding.
- Visit our Drinking Water Testing page for testing information or call our lab at (608) 243-0357. We can also recommend other tests that you might want to have run on your water, depending on your well's location, age, etc.
Abandoned Wells
Abandoned or unused wells pose a threat to the safety and quality of ground water drinking water. They can provide a direct pathway for contamination into the aquifer. Financial assistance for well abandonment may be available from the WI Well Compensation grant program.
- Finding Old Wells, National Groundwater Association
- Well Filling and Sealing, WI Department of Natural Resources
- Abandonment of Wells, WI Legislation
Resources
- Information for homeowners with private wells, WI Department of Natural Resources
- Drinking water tests for private wells, WI Department of Natural Resources