Section 1030. Groundwater facilities

Where pumping facilities are used, wells and springs shall be vented by properly hooded and screened pipe extending at least 12 inches above the pump floor or ground surface. Where necessary, provisions shall be made for lubricating the pump from a point at least six inches above the top of the well cover by means which will prevent contamination of the water supply.

A. General well appurtenances.

The following well appurtenances are required:

1. A sanitary seal shall be provided on the top of the well casing;

2. A properly screened vent with the end elbowed downward shall be provided for the well casing;

3. A sampling tap shall be provided for raw water sampling which discharges in a downward direction and away from the well casing;

4. Adequate control switches, etc., for the pumping equipment shall be provided;

5. A water meter is required to determine water production for each well and the meter shall be located upstream of the well blow-off;

6. The well casing shall extend at least 12 inches above the concrete floor or apron surrounding the well;

7. Adequate support for the well pump and drop pipe shall be provided; and

8. Each well casing shall be equipped with a drawdown gauge, airline, and appurtenances for measuring the change in the elevation of the water level in the well.

B. Drilled wells with the prime mover mounted on the casing shall:

1. Have the casing extend 12 inches above the floor, and be equipped with a flange or suitable sanitary seal;

2. Have the casing firmly connected to the pump structure or have the casing inserted into a recess extending at least one inch into the base of the pump if a watertight connection is not provided;

3. Have the base of the pump not less than 12 inches above the pump room floor or apron; and

4. Have the pump foundation and base designed to prevent water from coming into contact with the joint between the casing and the prime mover.

C. Submersible pumps. Where a submersible pump is used, the top of the casing shall be effectively sealed against entrance of water under all conditions of vibration or movement of conductors or cables and shall have a gooseneck vent with a screen covered opening.

D. Discharge piping. The discharge piping shall be provided with separate means to pump (blowoff) water of unsatisfactory quality to a point away from the groundwater source but shall not be directly connected to a sewer. The discharge line shall:

1. Have control valves located above the pump floor;

2. Be protected against freezing;

3. Be valved to permit testing and control of each well;

4. Have watertight joints;

5. Have all exposed valves protected; and

6. Have erosion protection at the point of waste discharge.

E. General well pump house construction requirements.

1. The well pump house floor or apron surrounding the well shall:

a. Be of good quality concrete with adequate reinforcement;

b. Be a minimum of six inches in thickness;

c. Extend a minimum of three feet in all directions from the well; and

d. Slope at least ¼ inch per foot towards a screened four inch floor drain to atmosphere.

2. Well houses or well pump stations in pits are prohibited.

3. Well pump stations housing chlorination equipment shall meet the requirements of 12VAC5-590-1000.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-18-010.03 § 3.40, eff. August 1, 1991.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-170 of the Code of Virginia.