Choosing A Well Water Contractor

Always use licensed water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced. Not all plumbers are pump installers.

Ask for references from the contractor also from friends and neighbors. Make contact with those references.

Make sure you explain to the driller or pump installer all of your water needs present and future. Even when pump replacement happens upgrading may be worth the cost.

For new wells, setbacks from many contamination sources are necessary. Make sure you talk through these possible sources with your contractor. Not all sources exist on your property.

Make sure the contractor takes the time to explain the work to be done, methods, the possible costs and warranty of any equipment and workmanship. If you are getting bids make sure you read and compare them carefully.

If drilling a new well, make sure the driller is obtaining all necessary permits.

Your water well professional is qualified to help with your water quality needs. Make sure you ask about possible water testing that is required as well as testing that is suggested for other contaminants that may be in your area. This discussion early on may be helpful for determining the type of well construction. If water treatment is needed the contractor may have some referrals or recommendations.

A coliform bacteria test is required when the well is drilled and or serviced.

When the new well is completed; the driller should get you the well construction report with the Wisconsin Unique Well Number. This may take up to 30 days.

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

This information provided by:

Wisconsin Water Well Association 

WELL OWNER ANNUAL CHECKLISTS

Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced.

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair.

Always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems or chemical storage facilities. Do not build over your well. The well must be serviceable at all times. Your professional contractor knows the rules.

Don't allow back-siphonage. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals, don't put the hose inside the tank or container.

When landscaping, keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage.

Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don't pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.

Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, as well as annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.

Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well, or the water it provides.

When your well has come to the end of its serviceable life have your qualified water well contractor properly abandoned your well after constructing your new system.

This information provided by:

 Wisconsin Water Well Association

Some of the above information provided by the National Ground Water Association