40A-3.512. Standard Well Construction Methods

(1) In the construction of a well, reasonable caution shall be taken to maintain the premises in sanitary condition and to minimize the entrance of contaminants into the water resource. Water and materials used in construction shall be reasonably free of contamination.

(2) For wells which penetrate multiple aquifers or zones, the well shall be completed so as to prevent cross-connections of different aquifers or zones and to prevent leakage of water from one aquifer or zone to another aquifer or zone. If a well cannot be properly completed to prevent such an interchange of water between water-bearing zones or to prevent a loss of artesian pressure, the well shall be abandoned and plugged in accordance with Rule 40A-3.531, F.A.C., of these rules or other specifications provided by the District, as may be appropriate for the geological conditions encountered.

(3) For wells completed into unconsolidated aquifers, casing shall extend from land surface to the well screen. The well screen shall be attached to the casing with a watertight seal.

(4) For wells obtaining water from consolidated aquifers, a continuous casing shall extend from the land surface into the producing aquifer, and such casing must extend below the static water level of the aquifer intended to supply the water to the well unless it can be shown an alternative placement of the casing will prevent degradation of the water resource. All caving zones shall be cased or screened. Prior approval for the use of alternative methods shall be obtained from the District.

(5) Wells constructed to provide water for irrigation systems are required to have installed an anti-syphon device adequate to protect against contamination of the water supply, pursuant to the requirements of Section 487.064, F.S.

(6) All water wells intended to provide potable water shall be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign substances and obstructing material after the well has been constructed. The well shall be developed by pumping, surging, bailing, or other means which effectively remove sediment, well cuttings, and foreign material from in and around the well. Such wells shall be properly disinfected after construction in accordance with Section 11, Well Disinfection, American Water Works Association Standard for Water Wells, AWWA A100-84, dated June 10, 1984, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(7) It is the intent that all wells shall be constructed to prevent caving and pumping of sand. In areas where the potential exists for sand to enter the well, a screen shall be used. If a screen is not used and the completed well pumps sand, the well will be determined not to be suitable for its intended use and the well will have to be repaired or abandoned.

(8) The well casing shall extend a minimum of twelve (12) inches above ground level and shall not be cut off below ground level unless prior approval is obtained from the District. Circumstances for which such approval shall be considered include the practice of installing the well top, pump and pump control apparatus in a water tight below grade box specifically designed and installed for such purpose for a well whose location is not subject to flooding or inundation. Persons wishing to apply for approval shall submit their request to the District on NWFWMD Form No. 122, Request For Below Grade Well Casing Approval. The request will be reviewed in the same manner as exemption requests specified in Rule 40A-3.051, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171, 373.309, 373.337 FS. Law Implemented 373.306, 373.308, 373.309 FS. History–New 1-9-86, Formerly 40A-3.701(2), Amended 8-10-87, 4-5-88, 8-1-89, 12-1-90, 11-1-92.