FAQ
Keeping your well water free of harmful contaminants is top priority for your health and for the environment. In North Carolina, more than 800,000 citizens draw water from a well.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about wells:
How do I know a good location for my well?
A well's location is important. Water that flows over the land during a storm, also known as storm water, can carry pollutants such as bacteria, oil and pesticides. Any well that is in the path of storm water runoff can become polluted if storm water runoff flows into a well that is not properly sealed.
Can wells be built near sources of pollution?
North Carolina law does not allow wells to be built near sources of pollution. Separation distances are set by the state in order to make use of the natural protection soil provides. Some counties have well ordinances that may vary from the state regulations. It is important to check with your local health department for this information.
Which types of soils work best for filtering out pollutants?
The ability of soil to filter your water depends on the type of soil around the well. Since water passes quickly through sand, sandy soil cannot filter out pollutants. Clay soils are more ideal because water and pollutants move more slowly, giving them more time to filter out pollutants. Soils high in organic matter also filter pollutants.
Is the well protected at the ground surface?
The well is protected at the ground surface by casing, which prevents storm water from entering the well directly. The well code requires that at least 12 inches of casing pipe extend above the ground, after the final grading of the surrounding land. The wellhead should be surrounded, 2 feet in all directions, by a concrete pad, which should slope away from the well. This may vary from county to county. The concrete pad stabilizes the casing and the soil around it, and the slope of the pad keeps storm water runoff from entering the well.
What factor does age play for wells?
The age of your well is an important factor in predicting whether your water might be polluted. A well constructed more than 60 years ago is likely surrounded by many activities that can cause pollution. Older wells typically have a thinner casing that can corrode more easily. Older well pumps are also more likely to leak lubricating oils into the well. All of these characteristics of older wells can contribute to the pollution of your well water. If you have an older well, you might wish to have it examined by Raymond Brown Well Co. We also advise that you have your well examined yearly.
Is it better to have my well drilled or dug?
Wells that have been dug rather than drilled, pose the highest risk of pollution because they are shallow and often poorly protected from storm water runoff.
How do you get rid of unused wells?
If unused wells are not properly filled and sealed, they can provide a direct route into the groundwater for storm water runoff carrying pollutants. A well that has been permanently closed by approved methods is considered an abandoned well. Unused wells must be properly abandoned.
North Carolina regulations include the following requirements for well abandonment:
- If the well owner contracts someone else to abandon the well, it must be done by a certified well driller.
- The pump, piping and any other obstructions must be removed from the well. Casings and screens should be removed if doing so will not cause or contribute to groundwater pollution.
- Any casing that is not properly grouted must either be removed or properly grouted.
- The well must be chlorinated to disinfect it before it is sealed.
- The entire depth of the well must be filled with cement, grout, or clay. Specific requirements vary according to well type and local geological characteristics.
