Wisconsin private well rules
The DNR says protecting and maintaining a private well is largely the owner's job.
Who licenses well work in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's private well code, NR 812 of the administrative code, covers well construction and pump installation. The DNR's Drinking Water and Groundwater Program runs it.
Wisconsin requires a registered well driller to file a well construction report (well log) with the DNR, which homeowners can look up online.
Sources: Owners are responsible; Codes that apply; Drillers file a well log
Who may work on a well pump
A business that installs well pumps in Wisconsin must register with the DNR as a pump installing business, unless the person is a licensed pump installer or works for one.
State law limits pitless adapter installation to licensed pump installers, their employees or employees of a registered pump installing business, and welders under contract with them.
The DNR says follow-up work after a property transfer inspection, such as filling and sealing an old well, must be done by a licensed water well driller or pump installer.
Sources: Pump installing business registration; Repairs after an inspection
Does the state require well testing?
Wisconsin law does not require a well inspection or water testing when a property is sold. If an inspection is done, it must be done by a licensed well driller or licensed pump installer.
If you choose a property transfer well inspection, the inspector must collect the samples and have a certified lab test drinking water wells for coliform bacteria, nitrate and arsenic.
The DNR recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate once a year, and for arsenic once every five years (every year in Outagamie, Winnebago and Brown counties).
The DNR warns that samples must reach the lab within 48 hours for an accurate test, and the lab will supply the sampling kit.
Getting your water tested in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene tests private well water for homeowners. Its total coliform and E. coli test costs $35 with about 2 business days of testing time.
The State Laboratory of Hygiene's Homeowner Package covers bacteria, nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, a metals screen, hardness, VOCs and atrazine for $450.
The State Laboratory of Hygiene recommends the coliform bacteria test for all wells every year, or any time the water changes in taste, odor, color or appearance.
Sources: State Lab of Hygiene bacteria test; Coliform test every year
Disinfecting a well
Wisconsin's private well code requires disinfection of a new well, the pump, pump discharge piping and the pressure tank before they are put in service.
The DNR says you may disinfect your own well by following its directions, but it involves water and dangerous voltages, so a licensed well driller or pump installer can do it instead.
Leave the chlorine solution in the well and plumbing at least overnight, preferably 24 hours, flush it away from septic systems and lawns, then wait about a week and retest for bacteria.
Source: Required for new work
Plugging an unused well
Wisconsin requires wells to be properly filled and sealed when they are removed from service, and some municipalities require it when city water is available.
Since June 1, 2008, only licensed well drillers and pump installers may fill and seal wells in Wisconsin, and they report the work to the DNR.
The DNR offers well abandonment grants to families with prior-year income of $65,000 or less. Apply with an itemized estimate from a licensed driller or pump installer before any work is done.
Sources: Unused wells must be filled; Grant to seal an old well
Checking a contractor's license
The DNR posts directories of licensed well drilling, pump installing, filling and sealing, and property transfer inspection services, listed by the counties they serve.
For a well inspection during a sale, hire a licensed water well driller or licensed pump installer. The DNR notes a home inspector may not have the required license.
By state law, only a licensed water well driller or licensed pump installer may make a paid statement about a well's condition, compliance or performance when a property is sold.
Sources: DNR service directories; Home inspectors may not qualify
Common questions
Does Wisconsin require private well owners to test their water?
Not when a home is sold: Wisconsin law does not require well water testing at a property sale. The DNR recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate once a year and for arsenic once every five years.