Setback and Licensing Questions on a Replacement Well
A licensed well drilling contractor is asked to replace a failed 60-ft dug well with a 6-inch bedrock well. The proposed location is 42 ft from the front property line, 55 ft from the septic tank, 65 ft from the leaching field, and 12 ft from the garage foundation. The homeowner wants to start before the local health department issues a well permit because the family has no water. The homeowner's friend, who is not licensed, plans to 'help' and run the pump wiring for cash. The driller's helper has a lapsed registration. The driller has a current well drilling contractor license. The lot is served by a private well and septic system, and the house is in a public water supply watershed.
1. What permits, licenses, and sequencing are required before drilling?
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The driller should not start until the local health department issues the well permit. In Connecticut, a well drilling contractor must hold a current DEEP license, and pump installation must be done by a licensed well pump installer; an unlicensed friend cannot perform or supervise pump wiring. The helper with a lapsed registration cannot work independently and should not be used until registration is current. The driller should confirm the permit conditions, utility locates, and any watershed or wetland approval. If the family needs emergency water, the health department may authorize a temporary supply or expedited review; the driller should ask rather than drill illegally. Document licenses and permits on site.
2. Evaluate the proposed setbacks and what to do if they conflict with code.
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The separation from the septic tank (55 ft) and leaching field (65 ft) may be below Connecticut private-well setbacks depending on the applicable code; many require greater separation from sewage disposal. The 42-ft front property line and 12-ft garage also need checking against local zoning and health code. The driller should plot the well and septic system, verify the actual tank and field locations (not just the homeowner's memory), and compare with the local health department's required distances. If the location cannot meet setbacks, relocate the well up-gradient and as far from the septic system as possible, or seek a variance or treatment. Do not drill first and ask later. A public water supply watershed may add review requirements.
3. What reporting and well-construction documentation should follow completion?
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The driller should complete the Connecticut well completion report with depth, casing, grout, screen, yield, static and pumping levels, and water quality, and submit it to DEEP and the local health department within the required time. Provide the owner with the well log and maintenance information. Document the grout seal, casing height, cap, and pump installation. If the well is in a watershed, ensure the report and any required notifications are consistent with the permit. Retain copies. The pump installer should provide electrical and pump documentation. The driller should not sign off on work performed by an unlicensed person. If a variance was granted, keep it with the completion report.