Well Maintenance & Care

Wells must be constructed and located in accordance with WI Admin Code NR 812.  All wells constructed in Winnebago County since October 2004 must also be in compliance with the Special Arsenic Casing Requirements.

Special Arsenic Casing Brochure

General Maintenance

The top of the well casing must be at least 12 inches above the ground.  Maintain the above-ground portion of the casing free of debris and overgrown vegetation.  If your well was constructed before the 1991 requirement of vermin-proof caps, it may have an overlapping cap.  It is recommended that you replace an overlapping cap with a vermin-proof cap.  Overlapping caps are susceptible to insects and small vermin getting into and contaminating the well.  A guard or barrier to prevent the well casing from being damaged by vehicles or other equipment is also recommended.  Routine chlorination is not recommended.  Chlorination is only needed when bacterial contamination has been confirmed.

You & Your Well - WI Dept. of Natural Resource

Well Abandonment

If you have a well on your property that is no longer used be sure to properly abandon the well.  Old unused wells can act as a conduit to the water table and can contaminate other wells in the area.  Cost sharing for the expense of properly abandoning wells is available through the Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department.  For more information on Well Abandonment, contact the Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department at 920-232-1950.

Well Abandonment Brochure
Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department

Testing
Bacteria & Nitrate

It is recommended to test your well annually for bacteria and nitrates – rotating the time of year each year between the Spring and Fall.

Arsenic 

Winnebago County Public Health recommends to have your well tested for arsenic.  If your well tests above the health standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb), corrective measures should be considered depending on the level of contamination.  If your well has been found to have arsenic near the health standard, it is recommended to test your well routinely to monitor the levels.  Additionally, if the environment around your well has had some changes, such as nearby construction, it is recommended to have your well tested for arsenic. Contact us with questions regarding arsenic at 920-232-3000.