Chapter 8.60
WATER WELLS
Sections:
8.60.010 Definitions.
8.60.020 Sanitary defects and health hazards–Prohibited.
8.60.030 Sanitary defects and health hazards–Determination–Correction.
8.60.040 Domestic water supply standards.
8.60.050 Newly constructed water supply system–Permits required.
8.60.060 Pipeline treatment.
8.60.070 Chlorination of water supply.
8.60.080 Chlorination records.
8.60.090 Storage and inlets.
8.60.100 Wells and water supplies to be protected.
8.60.110 Reservoirs and tanks to be covered.
8.60.120 Logs of water wells.
8.60.130 General location of water wells.
8.60.140 Distance of water wells from sewage disposal systems, animals and fowl.
8.60.150 Location of water wells–Flooding and inundation.
8.60.160 Well sealing.
8.60.170 Construction of water wells.
8.60.180 Construction of electrode wells.
8.60.190 Construction of water wells, slabs, curtains and pedestals.
8.60.200 Water wells–Sanitization pipes.
8.60.210 Wells–Drilling and destroying.
8.60.220 Reconstruction or conversion of existing wells for domestic use.
8.60.230 Processing applications for well drilling.
8.60.240 Validity of permits for well drilling.
8.60.250 Hearings.
8.60.260 Destruction of water wells.
8.60.270 Destruction of electrode wells.
8.60.280 Construction features for existing or converted water wells.
8.60.290 Disinfection and bacteriological quality of domestic water wells.
8.60.300 Water well discharge lines.
8.60.310 Maintenance of cross connections prohibited.
8.60.320 Correction of cross connections.
8.60.330 Water supply: Sale of devices or materials that may cause pollution.
8.60.340 Backflow prevention devices.
8.60.350 Water supply: Contamination or pollution.
8.60.010 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, certain words and phrases are defined as follows:
“Abandoned water well” means a nonoperating well which is not maintained in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
“Cross connection” means any connection, physical or otherwise, between an approved water supply system and any nonapproved water supply system; or any condition, connection, or arrangement between any domestic water supply system and any plumbing fixture; or any tank, receptacle, equipment, or device through which it may be possible for nonpotable, used, unclean, polluted, or contaminated water or other substance to enter any part of such domestic water system under any condition.
“Electrode well” means any artificial excavation in excess of fifty feet deep constructed by any method for the purpose of installing electrodes or electrical conductors, including, but not limited to, cathodic protection wells and grounding rod wells.
“Health hazard” means any faulty operating condition, water treatment practice, or method of distribution which creates, or may create, a danger to the well-being of any consumer.
“Health officer” means the health officer of the city or his authorized deputy, agent, representative, or inspector.
“Nonactive water well” means a well which is not in active use but which is maintained in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
“Nonconforming electrode well” means a well which on November 12, 1970, has not been constructed and/or maintained in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
“Sanitary defect” means any faulty structural condition, whether of location, design, or construction, of collection facilities, treatment works, or distribution works which may regularly or occasionally prevent satisfactory purification of the water supply or cause it to be contaminated or polluted.
“Water supply system” means and includes the works and auxiliaries for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of water from the source of supply to the free flowing outlet of the ultimate consumer.
“Water well” means any drilled, excavated, jetted, or otherwise constructed excavation which is used, or intended to be used, to extract water from, or inject water into, the underground for any purpose or to observe or test underground waters. This definition shall not include:
1. Salt water wells;
2. Wells under the jurisdiction of the Division of Oil and Gas of the state, except those wells converted to use as water wells; or
3. Wells used for the purpose of dewatering excavations during construction or stabilizing hillsides or earth embankments. (Prior code § 5-5.01)
8.60.020 Sanitary defects and health hazards–Prohibited.
All domestic water supply systems shall be constructed and maintained free from sanitary defects and health hazards. (Prior code § 5-5.02)
8.60.030 Sanitary defects and health hazards–Determination–Correction.
When it is determined by the health officer that a sanitary defect or a health hazard exists, the health officer may order whatever steps he deems necessary to insure the safety of the water supply for the protection of the public health. (Prior code § 5-5.03)
8.60.040 Domestic water supply standards.
Every person supplying water for domestic or human consumption shall supply the water free from contamination or pollution so as to comply with the bacteriological drinking water standards set forth in the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. (Prior code § 5-5.04)
8.60.050 Newly constructed water supply system–Permits required.
It is unlawful for any person to supply water from a newly constructed water system or from a newly constructed portion of a water system without valid permits as may be required by the health officer therefor or until such construction complies with all of the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 5-5.05)
8.60.060 Pipeline treatment.
Every new water main and every repaired section of an existing water main shall be cleared of coliform bacteria by the proper application of chlorine in sufficient quantities to give a minimum of fifty parts per million of available chlorine. The new or repaired pipe shall be thoroughly flushed before and after chlorination. If the first application of chlorine is not sufficient, the procedure shall be repeated until the water will meet the standards set forth in the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. Means or methods providing equivalent treatment may be used if approved by the health officer. (Prior code § 5-5.06)
8.60.070 Chlorination of water supply.
Upon notice by the health officer to the owner or operator of a water supply system, such owner or operator shall thoroughly cleanse and chlorinate any reservoir, tank, well, spring, or pipe used in the production, distribution, or storage of any domestic water or water used for human consumption as directed by the health officer to insure the safety of the water. When chemical disinfection is employed, the dosage or rates of application shall at all times be sufficient to provide adequately disinfected water at all points of the distribution system. The health officer may order continuous automatic disinfection for any water supply when, in his opinion, such treatment is necessary for the protection of the public health. (Prior code § 5-5.07)
8.60.080 Chlorination records.
All suppliers of domestic water, when required by the health officer to use continuous chlorination, shall add chlorine in sufficient quantity to insure the bacteriological safety of the water at all points in the distribution system. A free chlorine residual shall be maintained at all times at sampling points approved by the health officer. Routine chlorine residual tests shall be made daily, and permanent records shall be kept of such tests. Copies of the records shall be furnished the health officer upon request. (Prior code § 5-5.08)
8.60.090 Storage and inlets.
No person shall install or allow to exist any inlet discharging water from a public water supply to be used for domestic or human consumption or industrial purposes in or into any tank, cistern, reservoir, or receptacle for the storage or use of water on the consumer’s premises unless such inlet discharges such water at a height at least double the diameter of the inlet pipe above the maximum possible high water level of such tank, cistern, reservoir, or other receptacle for the storage or use of water, or unless such inlet is equipped with an approved backflow preventer. A backflow preventer is a device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water system. (Prior code § 5-5.09)
8.60.100 Wells and water supplies to be protected.
All domestic water wells and springs shall be sealed with concrete or other impervious material so as to protect against surface or subsurface contamination or pollution. (Prior code § 5-5.10)
8.60.110 Reservoirs and tanks to be covered.
Durable protection and substantial covers shall be provided and maintained for each reservoir, tank, cistern, standpipe, or other structure used for the distribution or storage of domestic water. Covers shall be watertight and shall be constructed so as to provide drainage away from the structure. All openings for ventilation shall be screened with corrosion resistant screen not coarser than one-fourth inch mesh to exclude rodents and birds, or with sixteen mesh screen when such screen is necessary to exclude mosquito or insect breeding in such reservoir. All manholes shall be constructed with curbs raised above the surrounding surface and installed in a manner to prevent roof or surface drainage from entering the structure. When it is determined by the health officer that is impractical, due to size, shape, or other unusual conditions, to provide and maintain a cover as provided for in this section, adequate treatment and protection of the water shall be provided as required and approved by the health officer.
Any reservoir, standpipe, cistern, forebay, tank, weir box, receptacle, or any other form of installation used for the production, distribution, or storage of any domestic water supply or water used for human consumption shall be securely protected against pollution or contamination. (Prior code § 5-5.11)
8.60.120 Logs of water wells.
Any person who has drilled, dug, excavated, or bored a water well shall, within thirty days after the completion of the drilling, digging, excavating, or boring of such water well, furnish the health officer with a complete log of such water well. Such log shall include the type of casing, the depth of the well, the number and location of the perforations in the casing and any other data required by the health officer. A copy of the log providing such information submitted to state agencies shall satisfy this requirement. (Prior code § 5-5.12)
8.60.130 General location of water wells.
It is unlawful for any person to drill, dig, excavate, or bore any water well in any location in which sources of pollution or contamination are known to exist at such location whereby such matter may become contaminated or polluted when the well is properly constructed and maintained. (Prior code § 5-5.13)
8.60.140 Distance of water wells from sewage disposal systems, animals and fowl.
It is unlawful for any person to drill, dig, excavate, or bore a water well within 100 feet of a seepage pit or cesspool or within fifty feet of a sewage disposal field, private or public sewer, privy, or place where animals or fowl are kept. Where special hazards are involved, the distance required may be increased, or special construction may be required, as may be directed by the health officer.
Where perforations or screens are located at or over one hundred feet below the ground surface and where sealed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or in such other circumstances as he determines lesser distances will not subject the water to contamination or pollution, the health officer may authorize lesser distances than those specified in this section. (Prior code § 5-5.14)
8.60.150 Location of water wells–Flooding and inundation.
It is unlawful for a person to drill, dig, excavate, or bore a water well in any location which is subject to flooding or inundation unless such well is protected from flooding or inundation and the location and method of protection is approved by the health officer. (Prior code § 5-5.15)
8.60.160 Well sealing.
All water wells and electrode wells shall be kept sealed and maintained in a manner that will prevent the entrance of pump leakage, surface drainage, or any other contamination or pollution into the well or the aquifer, except that nonconforming electrode wells need not comply with the provisions of this section until such time as the electrode is expended, or the well is reconstructed, or the well is no longer being used for its intended purpose unless, in the judgment of the health officer, such exception constitutes a threat to the quality of an aquifer. (Prior code § 5-5.16)
8.60.170 Construction of water wells.
A. All water wells hereafter drilled, dug, or bored shall have a durable, watertight casing which shall extend to a depth that will exclude contamination or pollution by surface drainage and undesirable ground water and extend at least eighteen inches above the surrounding natural ground level at the well site after drilling and until the pump is permanently mounted.
B. All gravel-packed wells shall have an outside watertight casing meeting the requirements of subsection A of this section. The top of the space between the outer and inner casings shall be closed or sealed to exclude surface drainage. The space between the outer casing and the drill hole shall be sealed as required by the provisions of Section 8.60.100. When an additional pipe is provided for a “gravel chute,” the top thereof shall extend above the floor or ground level and be fitted with a tight cap or lid unless in a locked room or an enclosure which is locked, bolted, or screwed on tightly. (Prior code § 5-5.17)
8.60.180 Construction of electrode wells.
An electrode wells hereafter constructed shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the health officer in such a manner as to exclude the contamination or pollution of any usable underground water. (Prior code § 5-5.18)
8.60.190 Construction of water wells, slabs, curtains and pedestals.
All water wells hereafter drilled, dug, excavated, or bored shall be as follows:
A. Concrete Slabs. A watertight reinforced concrete slab of a minimum thickness of six inches shall extend horizontally at least three feet from the well casing in all directions. The concrete slab shall adequately slope so as to drain water away from the well casing. The top surface of the slab at its outer edge shall be at least four inches above the surrounding ground level. This slab need not be provided, or the size and method of construction thereof may be modified, when the protection intended by this requirement or the exception set forth in subsection D of this section is provided by an alternate method approved by the health officer.
B. Mounting Pumps and Motors. For pumps or pump motors installed above the well casing, the pump or motor shall be mounted on a concrete pedestal constructed around the well casing and sealed thereto, the top of which is at least eight inches above the finished grade at the well site and at least four inches above the slab surrounding such well.
C. Pedestals and Slabs. The pedestal and slab (and curtain wall, if required to protect an existing well) shall be poured monolithically or be otherwise constructed as approved by the health officer to effectively prevent leakage between the pedestal and the slab.
D. Exemptions. Means or methods other than those set forth in subsections B and C of this section may be used to provide the required protection when the health officer determines such alternates are necessary and that they provide equivalent protection. A submersible type pump may be installed with subsurface discharge and access when all subsurface entrances to the well or casing, other than into the aquifer, are effectively sealed, the enclosure is designed and constructed to exclude surface water or drainage, the area around the casing is provided with effective drainage, and other protective features are provided which the health officer determines will effectively prevent contamination or pollution from entering the well or the aquifer. (Prior code § 5-5.19)
8.60.200 Water wells–Sanitization pipes.
All domestic water wells shall be provided with a pipe or other effective means through which chlorine or other disinfecting agents may be introduced directly into the well. The pipe, if provided, shall be extended to a height equal to the pump pedestal or at least eight inches above the finished grade, shall be kept sealed, and shall be provided with a threaded or equivalently secure cap. Equivalent protection for excluding contamination from the well shall be provided for subsurface pump discharge installations. If an air relief vent is used, it shall terminate downward and be screened and protected against the possibility of contaminating material entering the vent. (Prior code § 5-5.20)
8.60.210 Wells–Drilling and destroying.
No person shall drill, dig, bore, deepen, or excavate any well, or destroy an existing well, without first making an application and securing a permit from the health officer.
The application shall be made on a form prepared by the health officer, which shall include the location of the proposed or existing well, the type of casing, the manner of sealing and any other data required by the health officer. (Prior code § 5-5.21)
8.60.220 Reconstruction or conversion of existing wells for domestic use.
Any person intending to convert any industrial, oil, or irrigation well for use as a domestic water well shall first apply and secure a permit from the health officer.
The application shall be made on a form prepared by the health officer, which shall include the location of the well, the type of casing, the manner of sealing, and any other data required by the health officer. (Prior code § 5-5.22)
8.60.230 Processing applications for well drilling.
Upon receipt of an application, the health officer shall make an investigation. If the applicant has complied with all the applicable laws and regulations and the proposed well location will comply with the provisions of this chapter, and the drilling, digging, boring, deepening, excavating, converting, destruction, or design of the well will not create a condition which, in the opinion of the health officer, can pollute or contaminate the underground water or the water produced by the well, the health officer shall issue the permit. (Prior code § 5-5.23)
8.60.240 Validity of permits for well drilling.
A permit shall be valid only for the location described on the permit. The construction, reconstruction, or destruction of a well shall be carried out in compliance with all the applicable regulations and requirements of the health officer and with all the ordinances and laws of the city and of the state and shall comply with the terms and conditions specified in the permit. If any of such conditions, regulations, ordinances, or laws are not complied with, the health officer may suspend or revoke the permit by mailing or personally serving a written notice of suspension or revocation upon the applicant. (Prior code § 5-5.24)
8.60.250 Hearings.
Any person whose application for a permit has been denied, or whose permit has been suspended or revoked, may petition the health officer for a hearing. Such petition shall be in writing, shall be signed by the applicant, and shall set forth in detail the facts and reasons upon which the petition is based. The time limit within which the petition shall be filed is twenty business days following the date on which the notice of denial, suspension, or revocation was mailed to the applicant. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given to the applicant not less than five business days prior to such hearing, either by registered mail or in the manner required for the service of summons in civil actions. At the time and place set for the hearing, the health officer will give the applicant and other interested persons an adequate opportunity to present any relevant facts. The health officer may place any person involved in the matter, including the applicant, under oath. The health officer may, when he deems it necessary, continue any hearing by setting a new time and place and by giving notice to the applicant of such action. At the close of the hearing, or at any time within ten days thereafter, the health officer shall order such disposition of the application or permit as he has determined to be proper and shall make such disposition known to the applicant. (Prior code § 5-5.25)
8.60.260 Destruction of water wells.
All water wells, unless made to comply with the provisions of this chapter, shall be destroyed to the satisfaction of the health officer by filling with cement grout, puddled clay, or similar impervious material, as approved by the health officer, to thoroughly seal the well, including all voids, annular spaces, gravel envelopes, or other spaces, as necessary to protect the aquifer. (Prior code § 5-5.26)
8.60.270 Destruction of electrode wells.
All electrode wells, unless in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be destroyed to the satisfaction of the health officer in such a manner as to exclude the contamination or pollution of any usable underground water. (Prior code § 5-5.27)
8.60.280 Construction features for existing or converted water wells.
All water wells used to supply domestic water shall conform to the requirements of a new water well, except that the health officer may accept substitute methods when he finds it is impractical to fully meet such requirements and if he determines the substitute methods satisfactorily accomplish the intended purpose.
Existing wells shall meet the requirements for new wells regarding protection from flooding or contamination or such protection which the health officer determines to be equivalent. (Prior code § 5-5.28)
8.60.290 Disinfection and bacteriological quality of domestic water wells.
Every new, repaired, or reconstructed domestic water well, after completion of the construction, repair, or reconstruction and before being placed in service, shall be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign substances. The well, including the gravel used in gravel-packed wells, the pump and all portions of equipment coming in contact with well water shall be disinfected with a solution containing at least fifty parts per million available chlorine, which shall remain in the well for a period of at least twenty-four hours, or by an equivalent method of disinfection satisfactory to the health officer, and such procedure shall be repeated, as necessary, to produce water meeting the bacteriological standards as set forth in the United States Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. No well water from a new or reconstructed well shall be used for domestic purposes until the water meets such bacteriological requirements. (Prior code § 5-5.29)
8.60.300 Water well discharge lines.
All pump discharge lines shall leave the well at a higher elevation than the top of the casing. (Prior code § 5-5.30)
8.60.310 Maintenance of cross connections prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to have, keep, maintain, install, or allow the existence of a cross connection. (Prior code § 5-5.31)
8.60.320 Correction of cross connections.
Any device, fixture, or equipment installed for the purpose of eliminating a cross connection shall be of a type in compliance with, and installed in accordance with, the provisions of the Building Code. (Prior code § 5-5.32)
8.60.330 Water supply: Sale of devices or materials that may cause pollution.
No person shall advertise, sell, or offer for use or sale any water-treating chemical or substance, water-using or water-operated equipment, mechanism, or contrivance which may cause contamination or pollution of the domestic water supply. Such devices may be permitted when equipped with backflow protection devices meeting the requirements of the building code. (Prior code § 5-5.33)
8.60.340 Backflow prevention devices.
A. Qualified Testers. No person shall test and make reports on backflow prevention devices as required in Title 17 of the Administrative Code of the state unless he has a certificate of competence issued by the health officer. The health officer may conduct examinations to determine the competency of any person desiring to test and make reports on backflow prevention devices for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Title 17 of the Administrative Code of the state. Those persons who have been determined by the health officer to be competent shall receive from the health officer a certificate of competence. It is unlawful for any person to maintain a backflow prevention device unless it is tested at least annually.
B. Tests Required. Backflow prevention devices which have been installed to meet the requirements of Title 17 of the Administrative Code of the state shall be tested at least once each calendar year by a person having received a certificate of competence from the health officer. Records of such tests shall be filed with the health officer within thirty days after such tests upon forms provided by the health officer.
C. Devices in Good Repair. It is unlawful to use any backflow prevention device installed to meet the requirements of Title 17 of the Administrative Code of the state unless such device is in good repair. Devices which are defective shall be repaired and tested immediately upon being put into use, and a report of such shall be filed with the health officer within thirty days after such test. (Prior code § 5-5.34)
8.60.350 Water supply: Contamination or pollution.
It is unlawful for any person to locate or maintain any animal or fowl in such a manner or location whereby any portion of a domestic water supply system may become contaminated or polluted or for any animal or fowl to be kept within fifty feet from any stream, water channel, spring, well, pond, lake, reservoir, infiltration gallery, or underground water from which water may be drawn for domestic consumption. (Prior code § 5-5.35)