Wells: Private Water Supply

What is a well?

A water well is a system of delivering water to a private home in an area where there is no integrated water system. Most towns and cities have public water works that have rigorous testing standards and deliver water to a large number of homes. Private water wells offer a water supply to single households, predominantly in rural areas where there is no public water system.

Why would I get my well water tested?

Because a well is a private water supply, there are no required tests or treatments provided to said supply, as there are in public supplies to ensure proper safety. Although a properly constructed and located well should not contain contaminants, work done to the well may contaminate your water supply. This may include replacement of the well seal or pump. Flooding in the area of the well may also contaminate the water supply. Finally, after an unexplained illness in your household, a doctor may recommend that your water is tested for contamination.

I have an abandoned well on my property. What should I do?

Abandoned wells are required by Illinois law to be sealed within 30 days of being abandoned by a licensed well water driller or property owner/tenant.

For more information on...

Water well permit form: http://www.idph.state.il.us/forms/ohp/water_well_permit.pdf
Water wells: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/waterwells.htm
Drilled wells: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/drilledwlsFS.htm
Bored wells: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/boredwlsFS.htm
Abandoned wells: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/abndwlsFS.htm
Emergency Water Supply: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/emergcyh2o.htm
Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractors License Act and Code: www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700915sections.html