Virginia Law

Part III. Design and Construction Criteria

Article 2
General Provisions

12VAC5-630-350. General.

This chapter does not apply to private wells constructed, altered, or abandoned prior to September 1, 1990, unless such private well is subsequently altered or abandoned after September 1, 1990, in which case such alteration or abandonment shall be performed in accordance with this chapter.

The class of well to be constructed shall be determined by the local or district health department or the division.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.1, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-360. Classes of water wells.

Classes of private wells established for purposes of this chapter are in addition to those established in the current Waterworks Regulations (12VAC5-590) and are intended for use for private well systems:

1. Class III - Private wells constructed to be used as a source of drinking water. There are three subclasses:

a. Class IIIA - Drilled wells in which the annular space around the casing is grouted to a minimum depth of 20 feet.

(1) The well shall be drilled and cased to a depth of at least 100 feet.

(2) The cased drill hole shall pass through at least 50 feet of collapsing material such as caving sand, gravel, or other material that will collapse against the casing.

b. Class IIIB - Drilled wells in which the casing is installed to a minimum depth of 50 feet and the annular space around the casing is grouted to at least 50 feet.

c. Class IIIC - Drilled, bored, driven, or jetted wells other than Class IIIA and Class IIIB.

2. Class IV - Private wells constructed for a purpose other than use as a source of drinking water. There are three subclasses:

a. Class IVA - Drilled wells in which the annular space around the casing is grouted to a minimum depth of 20 feet.

(1) The well shall be drilled and cased to a depth of at least 100 feet.

(2) The cased drill hole shall pass through at least 50 feet of collapsing material such as caving sand, gravel, or other material that will collapse against the casing.

b. Class IVB - Drilled wells in which the casing is installed to a minimum depth of 50 feet and the annular space around the casing is grouted to at least 50 feet.

c. Class IVC - Drilled, bored, driven, or jetted wells other than Class IVA and Class IVB.

3. Conversion of well class. A Class IV well may be converted to a corresponding Class III well provided the well meets (i) the location and construction standards set forth in this chapter and the water quality standards set forth in 12VAC5-630-431 and (ii) a construction permit application and a revised uniform water well completion report form are submitted to the department.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.2, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-370. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.3, eff. April 1, 1992; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-380. Well location.

A. The private well shall be sited for the protection of public health and the aquifer, with appropriate consideration given to distance from potential contamination sources; vulnerability to known or suspected natural risks (e.g., flooding); potential for interference with utilities; accessibility for drilling machinery and support equipment; and safety of the public and well construction personnel.

B. Sanitary survey. Obvious sources of potentially toxic or dangerous substances within 200 feet of the proposed private well shall be investigated as part of the sanitary survey. Sources of contamination may include items listed in Table 1; abandoned wells; pesticide treated soils; petroleum or chemical storage tanks, drums, totes, or other storage containers (aboveground and underground); and other sources of physical, chemical, or biological contamination. If the source of contamination could affect the well adversely, and preventive measures are not available to protect the groundwater, the well shall be prohibited. The minimum separation distance between a private well and structures, topographic features, or sources of pollution shall comply with the minimum distances shown in Table 1.

C. Downslope siting of wells from potential sources of pollution. Special precaution shall be taken when locating a well within a 60 degree arc directly downslope an existing or intended onsite sewage disposal system or other known source of pollution identified in subsection B of this section, including Table 1. The minimum separation distance shall be (i) increased by 25 feet for every 5.0% of slope or (ii) an increase shall be made to the minimum depth of grout and casing in the amount of five feet for every 5.0% of slope.

D. Sites in areas subject to flooding. No private well covered by this chapter shall be located in areas subject to the collection of pollutants such as swampy areas, low areas, or areas subject to flooding. Wells located in flood plains shall be adequately constructed so as to preclude the entrance of surface water during flood conditions. At a minimum, such construction will include extending the well terminus 18 inches above the annual flood level and grading to provide positive drainage in all directions. Other requirements may be made as determined on a case-by-case basis by the division.

E. Property lines. The owner is responsible for establishing a separation distance from property lines such that the construction and location of the well will be on the owner's property and comply with any local ordinances. No private well shall be constructed within five feet of a property line. If the proposed private well is on a property adjoining properties of three acres or larger used for an agricultural operation, no private well shall be constructed within 50 feet of the property line except as exempted by the following:

1. A notarized letter from the adjacent property owner that grants permission to construct a well within 50 feet of the property line. The statement shall be recorded and indexed in the land records of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the property where the well is to be located; or

2. A certification statement from a licensed onsite soil evaluator, professional engineer, or licensed water well systems provider confirms that no other well location on the property complies with this chapter. Reasons that a well location on a property may not comply with this chapter include:

a. The property is not large enough to allow a location of a well 50 feet or more from the property line. In this case, the well should be located at the greatest distance from the property line consistent with this chapter.

b. The location of a well 50 feet or more from the property line prevents separation distance requirements identified in 12VAC5-630-380 B being achieved on the property, provided that required separation distances can be achieved if the well is located fewer than 50 feet from the property line. In this case, the well should be located at the greatest distance from the property line consistent with this chapter. Well owners shall not be obligated to undertake otherwise optional actions, such as substitution of an alternative onsite sewage system in place of a conventional system where a conventional system is suitable, solely to comply with the requirement to maintain a 50-foot separation distance from an adjoining property of three acres or larger used for an agricultural operation.

c. The location is inaccessible to well drilling equipment as a result of topography, surface water, structures, existing onsite sewage system components, overhead or buried utilities, or other obstacle.

d. Other reasons that a well located greater than 50 feet from the property line may not comply with this chapter may be considered by the division on a case-by-case basis.

F. Utility lines. There is no minimum separation distance between a private well and subsurface utility lines (electric, gas, water, cable, etc.). The minimum separation distance may, however, be established by the individual utility company or local ordinance. Clearance distance from overhead electrical utilities relative to drilling equipment is subject to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration or related safety standard, and this factor shall be considered in determination of well location. No private well shall be constructed within a utility easement without documentation of permission from the utility.

G. Permanently abandoned sewage disposal systems.

1. No private well shall be constructed within 25 feet of a permanently abandoned sewage disposal system. The following criteria is to determine if a sewage disposal system is permanently abandoned.

a. The drainfield is no longer connected to a structure or other sewage source.

b. The drainfield has been inactive for at least 24 consecutive months.

c. The septic tank and distribution box have been pumped, limed, crushed, and either filled with an inert material or removed from the site.

2. Documentation of disconnection may include:

a. A statement from the owner of the drainfield.

b. A notification of onsite sewage system abandonment recorded and indexed in the grantor index of the land records of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the site where the sewage system is located.

c. A contractor invoice or other record documenting system disconnection, including disposition of septic tank and distribution box.

d. Record from a public sewer operator indicating date of connection.

3. Abandoned sewage disposal systems that do not meet the requirements of this subsection shall be treated as active systems with respect to determining the minimum separation distance to sources of contamination listed in Table 1.

H. Reclaimed water distribution pipeline. No private well shall be placed closer than 50 feet from a reclaimed water distribution pipeline. This separation distance can be reduced to 35 feet provided that the reclaimed water distribution pipeline is constructed from a water pipe material in accordance with American Water Works Association (AWWA) specifications and pressure tested in place without leakage prior to backfilling. The hydrostatic test shall be conducted in accordance with the AWWA standard (ANSI/AWWA C-600-05) for the pipe material, with a minimum test pressure of 30 psi. A Class IV well located closer than 35 feet from a reclaimed water distribution pipeline shall not be converted to a Class III well.

I. Biosolids application field. No private well shall be placed closer than 100 feet from a field, as defined in 9VAC25-32-10, on which biosolids are being applied or have been applied within the previous 12 months.

J. Bioretention pond. No private well shall be placed closer than 50 feet from an unlined bioretention pond or 10 feet from a lined bioretention pond. A Class IV well shall not be converted to a Class III well if the Class III well separation distance is not met.

K. Exception for closed-loop ground-source heat pump wells. Closed-loop ground-source heat pump wells, depending upon construction, may not have to comply with the minimum separation distances for Class IV wells listed in Table 1. If the well is grouted 20 feet, the minimum separation distances must comply with those listed for Class IV wells. If the well is grouted a minimum of 50 feet, the separation distances shall be those listed for Class IIIA or IIIB wells. If the well is grouted the entire depth of the well, the well does not have to comply with the minimum separation distances contained in Table 1.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 and 32.1-176.5:2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.4, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-390. Site protection.

A. No objects, articles, or materials that are not essential to the operation of the well shall be placed or stored in a well, well house, on the well head or well pump or water treatment system, or within close proximity to them.

B. Fencing of an area around the well, or the placement of other barriers or restrictions, may be required as a condition of the permit under certain circumstances, such as to prohibit livestock access to the well head or to prohibit vehicles from damaging or polluting the area around the well head.

C. The area around the well shall be graded to divert surface water away from the well.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.5, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-400. Materials.

A. General. Materials used in private wells shall be lead free, labeled as approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for water well use, have long-term resistance to corrosion and sufficient strength to withstand hydraulic, lateral, and bearing loads.

B. Drilling Fluids. Materials used for well bore stabilization and well development shall be labeled as meeting NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 60-2020 environmental specifications.

C. Casing. Materials used for casing shall be watertight and shall consist of wrought iron, concrete tile, clay tile, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, or plastic, all designed for water well use. Materials used for casing shall be labeled as conforming to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2021 (Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects) and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372-2020 (Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content).

1. Driven casings shall consist of ductile iron, steel, or stainless steel and shall be equipped with a suitable drive boot.

2. Casings used for drilled wells shall be steel, stainless steel, plastic, or fiberglass.

3. Casings used for bored Class IIIC and IVC wells shall be concrete.

D. Screens. Where utilized, screens shall be factory manufactured of stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials. Screens shall be constructed of materials that will not be damaged by chemical or corrosive action of the groundwater or future cleaning operations. Additionally, screens shall be constructed of materials that will not degrade groundwater quality. Allowable screen types include wire wrap, louvered, bridge slot, and factory slotted and shall be labeled as conforming to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2021 (Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects) and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372-2020 (Drinking Water System Components – Lead Content).

E. Grout. The grouting material used shall meet the appropriate specification listed in this subsection.

1. Neat cement grout shall consist of cement and water with not more than six gallons of water per bag (94 pounds) of cement.

2. Bentonite clay may be used in conjunction with neat Portland cement to form a grouting mixture. The bentonite used must be specifically recommended by the manufacturer as being suitable for use as a well grout material and cannot exceed 6.0% by weight of the mixture.

3. Bentonite clay used for grouting shall be sodium bentonite with a minimum of 20% clay solids by weight of water. The bentonite clay shall be specifically recommended by the manufacturer for use as a grouting material.

An exception exists (i) when exceptional conditions require the use of a less fluid grout, to bridge voids, a mixture of cement, sand and water in the proportion of not more than two parts by weight of sand to one part of cement with not more than six gallons of clean water per bag of cement may be used if approved by the district or local health department, or (ii) for bored wells only, a concrete (1-part sand, 1-part cement, 2-parts pea gravel mix with all aggregates passing a 1/2-inch sieve) grout with not more than six gallons of clean water per bag of cement may be used provided a minimum three-inch annular space is available.

4. Other grouting materials may be approved by the division on a case-by-case basis. Review and approval shall be based on whether the proposed material can consistently be expected to meet the intent of grouting expressed in 12VAC5-630-410 F 2. The proposed material must be an industry acceptable material used for the purpose of grouting water wells. Controlled low strength material (flowable fill) or other product incorporating fly ash, other coal combustion byproducts, or other wastes shall not be approved for use as grout.

F. Gravel and sand utilized for filter packed wells shall be uniformly graded, cleaned, washed, disinfected, well rounded, acid resistant, and have a high silica content.

G. Water used during well construction shall be obtained from a suitable source or the well being constructed. A suitable source means a pure water source, or, when a pure water source is not locally available, water taken from another source then disinfected using compounds labeled as meeting NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 60-2020 environmental specifications.

H. Compounds used in the disinfection of completed wells shall be labeled as meeting NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 60-2020 environmental specifications.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.6, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-410. Construction; general.

A. Private wells shall be constructed using the criteria described in this section. The water well system provider shall provide advance notification regarding the initiation of well construction to the district or local health department to allow department personnel the opportunity to observe well construction. The water well systems provider may construct the well as conditions warrant and shall be under no obligation to delay construction activities pending arrival of district or local health department personnel.

B. Well bore.

1. The method of advancement of the well bore in which the private well is constructed shall be determined by the water well systems provider relative to local geologic and aquifer conditions.

2. When the construction permit designates a well site, the well bore shall be placed at the well site. When the construction permit designates a well area, the well bore may be placed anywhere within the well area. If a well bore advanced within a well area must be discontinued for any reason, the well bore shall be abandoned in accordance with 12VAC5-630-450 and a new well bore may be undertaken within the well area.

3. Other land disturbance associated with well construction, such as grading and mud pit construction, is not limited to the well area.

4. With the exception of driven wells, the well bore shall be large enough to accommodate the well casing and screen with sufficient annular space on all sides of the casing in the interval to be grouted to freely accommodate a tremie pipe or sounding tube.

5. Drilling fluids used to stabilize the well bore shall be maintained within limits that will allow their complete removal from the water produced from the well, and shall not damage the capacity, efficiency, and quality of the well.

6. Representative samples of formation materials shall be collected during well bore advancement with sufficient frequency to allow for preparation of the driller's log (uniform water well completion report) of the type of rock, sediment, or soil encountered.

C. Casing.

1. The casing shall maintain the well bore by preventing its walls from collapsing, provide a channel for the conveyance of water, and protect the quality of the water withdrawn from the well. The thickness of the casing shall be sufficient to resist the force imposed during installation and which can be anticipated after installation.

2. Class IIIA and IVA wells shall be cased to a depth of at least 100 feet.

3. Class IIIB and IVB wells shall be cased to a depth of at least 50 feet.

4. Except as provided in subdivisions a through e of this subdivision 4, Class IIIC and IVC wells shall be cased to a minimum depth of 20 feet or terminated not less than one foot in bedrock when bedrock is encountered at a depth less than 20 feet.

a. When in collapsing material, the casing shall terminate in the aquifer but in no instance be less than 20 feet.

b. Where an aquifer is encountered at less than 20 feet, Class IVC wells may be cased to within one foot of the water bearing strata. In the instance of Class IV wells the intent of this chapter is to protect groundwater quality, and not to ensure a potable water supply.

c. Alternate casing depths may be accepted for bored wells when the only aquifer lies between 11 and 20 feet provided the casing is placed within one foot of the aquifer and must not be less than 10 feet in depth from the ground surface.

d. Class IIIC driven wells shall be cased to the water bearing strata; however, in no case less than 10 feet. No minimum casing requirements apply to Class IVC driven wells except that in order to protect groundwater they shall be capable of meeting the minimum grouting requirements as described in subdivision F 5 e of this section.

e. Closed-loop ground-source heat pump wells do not have to be cased.

5. When PVC casing is terminated in bedrock, the well casing shall be sealed using a mechanical seal or packer.

6. Extension of casing above ground surface. Private well casings shall be extended at least 12 inches above ground or at least 12 inches above a concrete floor in a well house with a gravity flow drain. The following wells are exempted from this requirement; however, their location shall be permanently marked for easy location in the future:

a. Drilled shallow well suction pump systems that will not operate unless a vacuum is maintained. The casings for these wells are also the suction lines through which water is drawn.

b. Deep well ejector pump systems that utilize a casing adaptor and must maintain a vacuum to operate.

c. Closed-loop ground-source heat pump wells.

d. Heat pump return wells that are completely sealed.

7. The casing shall be centered in the well bore the entire depth of the well in order to provide for even distribution of filter pack and grout in the annular space.

8. Joints shall be compatible with the casing material, specific to the task, and be watertight under normal operating conditions, with watertight joints above the screened interval.

9. Casing straightness and alignment:

a. Casing in all private wells shall be sufficiently straight that it will not interfere with the installation and operation of a pump suitable for the intended purpose of the well.

b. For casing intended to accommodate a line shaft turbine pump, the maximum allowable horizontal deviation of the well from the vertical shall not exceed 2/3 times the smallest inside diameter per 100 feet of that part of the well being tested to the depth of the anticipated pump installation.

D. Screens.

1. The screen shall allow passage of water from the aquifer and provide sufficient tensile, collapse, and compression strength to withstand the physical loading it will be exposed to during installation, completion, development, and operational conditions. When used for the prevention of entry of foreign materials, screens shall be free of rough edges, irregularities, or other defects. A positive watertight seal between the screen and the casing shall be provided when appropriate.

2. Screen length, diameter, and slot size shall be determined based on field examination of representative samples of formation material collected during advancement of the well bore, and may be supplemented by sieve analysis of materials in the water bearing zone or geophysical logging of the well bore.

3. Joints between (i) casing and screen and (ii) screen and screen shall meet the requirements of subdivision C 8 of this section.

4. The bottom of the screen, or of the deepest screen in the case of multiple screens, shall be configured to reduce the possibility of native formation or well construction material heaving up into the screened interval. A closed bottom may not be required for screens installed in some formation materials.

5. The screen shall be centered in the well bore.

E. Filter pack.

1. When a filter pack is required, the filter pack material used shall be determined based on field examination of representative samples of the water bearing formation in the withdrawal interval, and may be supplemented by sieve analysis. The filter pack shall be placed in the annular space by a method that prevents bridging and creates uniform distribution.

2. The filter pack shall extend above the top of the screened interval to a thickness sufficient to compensate for settling that may occur during development and operation of the well.

3. Filter pack material may be used with a screen as a formation stabilizer when water is withdrawn from a poorly consolidated rock subject to disintegration and caving when the well is pumped. Formation stabilizer shall be at least as coarse as the formation native material.

F. Grouting.

1. General. Private wells shall be grouted.

2. Purpose. The annular space between the casing and well bore is one of the principal avenues through which undesirable water and contaminants may gain access to a well. The goal of grouting a well is to preclude the entrance of undesirable water and contaminants. Therefore, the annular space shall be filled with a neat cement grout, a mixture of bentonite and neat cement or bentonite clay grout specifically approved by the manufacturer for use as a grouting material.

3. Based on the well casing material and native geology, grout material shall be selected to minimize potential for spidering, cracking, or separation of grout from the well casing.

4. When an open well bore has been drilled below the depth to which the casing is to be grouted, the lower part of the hole must be backfilled, or a packer must be set in the hole to retain the slurry at the desired depth. Backfilling the hole with gravel and capping with sand is an acceptable practice. Material ordinarily sold as plaster or mortar sand is satisfactory; more than half the sand should be of grain sizes between 0.012 inches and 0.024 inches.

5. Depth.

a. Class IIIA and Class IVA wells shall be grouted to a minimum depth of 20 feet.

b. Class IIIB and Class IVB wells shall be grouted to a minimum depth of 50 feet.

c. Class IIIC and Class IVC wells shall be grouted to a minimum depth of 20 feet when the casing depth is equal to or greater than 20 feet. When the casing depth is less than 20 feet, the casing shall be grouted in accordance with this subsection, from the lower terminus of the casing to the surface.

d. Alternate grouting depths may be accepted for bored wells when the only aquifer suitable for a private well lies between 11 and 20 feet provided the grouting shall terminate at least one foot above the aquifer but must not be less than 10 feet in depth from the ground surface.

e. Driven wells shall be grouted to a minimum depth of five feet by excavating an oversize hole at least four inches in diameter larger than the casing and placing an approved grout mixture into the annular space.

6. Installation. Grout shall be installed by means of one of the following methods.

a. Placement using a grout pump or tremie pipe from the bottom of the annular space upward in one operation until the annular space is filled, whenever the grouting depth exceeds 20 feet. Pouring of grout is acceptable for drilled wells whenever grouting depth does not exceed 20 feet.

b. Pouring of grout is acceptable for bored wells when the grouting depth does not exceed 20 feet provided there is a minimum of a three-inch annular space and the annular space is free of standing water.

c. Bentonite chips or pellets are acceptable for wells when the grouting depth does not exceed 20 feet .

7. Surface completion of grout. Grout shall be brought to the ground surface and flared to provide a one-foot radius around the casing at least six inches thick. However, whenever pitless adapters are used, the grout shall terminate at the base of the pitless adapter. When an outer casing is necessary to construct a new well, where possible, the outer casing shall be pulled simultaneously with the grouting operation.

G. Additional casing and grouting. When a well is to be constructed within 100 feet of a subsurface sewage disposal system, which has been or is proposed to be installed at a depth greater than five feet below the ground surface, the casing and grouting of the water well shall be increased to maintain at least a 15-foot vertical separation between the trench bottom and the lower terminus of the casing and grouting.

H. Well head.

1. General. No open wells or well heads or unprotected openings into the interior of the well shall be permitted. Prior to the water well systems provider leaving the well construction site, the owner shall have the water well systems provider protect the well bore by installing a cover adequate to prevent accidental contamination.

2. Mechanical well seals. Mechanical well seals (either sanitary well seals or pitless adapters) shall be used on Class III and Class IV wells and shall be watertight and airtight, except as provided in 12VAC5-630-410 I 4.

3. Other. Wells greater than eight inches in diameter shall be provided with a watertight overlapping (shoebox) type cover, constructed of reinforced concrete or steel.

I. Appurtenances passing through casing.

1. General. Openings through well casings shall be provided with a positive water stop.

2. Pitless well adapters. When used, pitless units and pitless adaptors shall be attached to the casing in a manner that will make the connection watertight. If an access port is installed, it shall be watertight.

3. Sanitary well seals. When used, sanitary well seals shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A one-piece top plate shall be used on a well that terminates outdoors.

4. Venting. Venting shall be provided in such a manner as to allow for the passage of air, but not water, insects, or foreign materials into the well.

J. Well development.

1. "Well development" means the act of repairing damage to the geologic formation from drilling procedures and increasing the porosity and permeability of the materials surrounding the intake portion of the well. It is accomplished by application of mechanical energy, chemicals, or both to (i) remove drilling fluids and formation damage caused by the well bore drilling and well completion processes; (ii) remove formation fines near the well bore to increase hydraulic conductivity and create a filter medium; (iii) establish optimal hydraulic contact between the well and the geologic formation (aquifer) supplying water; (iv) provide for an acceptable level of sand and turbidity; and (v) provide for an appropriate level of drawdown at the production pumping rate.

2. Private wells shall be developed. Disinfection required by 12VAC5-630-430 and water quality testing required by 12VAC5-630-431 shall not be conducted on a well prior to well development.

K. Well maintenance and repair.

1. Equipment and water or other materials used during hydraulic fracturing of bedrock wells shall comply with 12VAC5-630-400.

2. Private wells shall be disinfected per 12VAC5-630-430 following maintenance, redevelopment, or other activity requiring access to the interior of the casing of a completed well.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.7, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-420. Observation, monitoring, and remediation wells.

A. Except as provided in subsections B and C of this section, observation, monitoring, and remediation wells are exempted from this chapter. The exemption shall not apply to test and exploration wells constructed for the purpose of evaluating groundwater quality or available quantity related to a proposed beneficial use such as water supply for a subdivision, office park, or proposed commercial or industrial application.

B. Observation, monitoring, and remediation wells shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements for private wells if they are to remain in service after the completion of the groundwater study.

C. Observation, monitoring, and remediation wells shall be permanently abandoned in accordance with 12VAC5-630-450 within 90 days of cessation of use. Unless specifically allowed under terms of a permit issued by DEQ, temporary abandonment of observation, monitoring, and remediation wells shall not occur.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.8, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-430. Disinfection.

A. Private wells shall be disinfected before placing the well in service.

B. Methodology. Disinfection shall be accomplished by one of the following methods:

1. Maintaining a 100 mg/l solution of chlorine in the well for 24 hours utilizing the dosage rates set forth in 12VAC5-630-470.

2. Applying a quantity of water/chlorine solution to ensure a minimum of 100 mg/L of available chlorine throughout the well and immediate formation materials. Disinfection contact time shall be established on the basis of contact units, which are calculated as mg/L chlorine multiplied by hours of exposure. Contact time shall equate to a minimum of 1,000 contact units (50 mg/L chlorine x 20 hours = 1,000 contact units; 200 mg/L chlorine x 5 hours = 1,000 contact units; etc.).

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.9, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-431. Water quality.

A. Class IV wells exempt. The water quality requirements contained in this section apply to Class III private wells. Class IV private wells (wells not constructed as a source of water for human consumption) are not subject to water quality requirements.

B. Sample tap. A sample tap shall be provided at or near the water entry point into the system so that samples may be taken directly from the source; this requirement may be met by utilizing the first tap on a line near where the plumbing enters the house (may be a hose bib), provided the tap precedes any water treatment devices.

C. Disinfection. The entire water system, including the well, shall be disinfected prior to use pursuant to 12VAC5-630-430.

D. Sampling. After operating the well to remove any remaining disinfectant, a sample of the water from the well shall be collected for bacteriological examination. The sample may be collected by the owner, water well systems provider, or other person in accordance with procedures established by the department and provided the sample is submitted to a private laboratory accredited by the Department of General Services, Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, for analysis.

E. Test interpretation. A Class III private well shall be considered satisfactory if the water sample tests negative for coliform organisms as described in subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection. Sources with positive counts shall be tested as described in subdivision 3 of this subsection to determine if the water supply is amenable to continuous disinfection. Samples that exhibit confluent growth shall be considered inconclusive and another sample shall be collected.

1. When a private well has no unsatisfactory water sample within the previous 12 months, one water sample which tests negative for coliform bacteria shall be considered satisfactory for coliform organisms.

2. When a private well has had one or more positive water samples within the past 12 months for coliform bacteria, at least two consecutive samples must be collected and found negative for coliform organisms before the supply may be considered satisfactory for coliform organisms. The samples must be collected at least 24 hours apart and the well may not be disinfected between samples.

3. When a private well does not test satisfactory for coliform organisms, continuous disinfection may be recommended to the homeowner if the water supply is found to be suitable for continuous disinfection. A minimum of 10 independent samples shall be collected and tested for total coliform using an MPN methodology. To be independent, samples shall be collected no less frequently than one sample per day. The geometric mean of the samples shall be calculated and if the result is less than 100 organisms per 100 ml, the supply shall be considered satisfactory for continuous disinfection.

F. Water treatment. If tests indicate that the water samples test positive for coliform organisms and do not meet the standards described in this section and no other approved source is available, adequate methods of water treatment shall be applied. The treatment device shall be demonstrated to be effective pursuant to subdivision E 3 of this section prior to the issuance of an inspection statement. The district or local health department shall be consulted when treatment is necessary.

G. Conversion of Class IV well to Class III potable well. In order to convert an existing Class IV to a Class III well, the owner shall provide the following information to the local health department.

1. A complete application indicating the intent to convert the well classification.

2. A copy of the existing uniform water well completion report documenting that the well meets Class IIIA, Class IIIB, or Class IIIC construction standards in accordance with this chapter.

3. Confirmation that the well meets separation distance criteria for Class III wells listed on Table 1 of 12VAC5-630-380.

4. A negative bacteria water sample in accordance with subsections D, E, and F of this section.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-440. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.10, eff. April 1, 1992; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-450. Well abandonment.

A. The abandonment of a private well governed by this chapter or a private well abandoned as a condition of a permit issued under this chapter shall be administered by the Department of Health in conformance with this section. The owner or owner's agent shall provide advance notification regarding the initiation of well abandonment to the district or local health department to allow department personnel the opportunity to observe well abandonment. The owner or owner's agent shall be under no obligation to delay abandonment activities pending arrival of department personnel.

B. Prohibited materials. The following materials, even if classifiable as clean fill or beneficial use byproducts in other applications, shall not be used as clean fill or grout in any well abandonment procedure.

1. Contaminated media.

2. Non-manufactured gravel, brick, broken concrete, crushed glass, porcelain, or road pavement, except as these materials are present as incidental constituents of undisturbed soil or natural earth materials.

3. Controlled low strength material (flowable fill) or other product incorporating fly ash, other coal combustion byproduct, or other waste.

C. Temporary abandonment. A temporarily abandoned well shall be sealed with a water-tight cap or well head seal. Such a well shall be maintained so that it will not be a source or channel for contamination to groundwater during temporary abandonment.

D. Permanent abandonment. The object of proper permanent abandonment is to prevent contamination from reaching groundwater resources via a component of the well, including casing, annular space, and well cap. Permanently abandoned wells, with the exception of bored wells abandoned per the methods identified in subdivisions 5 a and 5 b (3) of this subsection shall no longer be classified as wells. A permanently abandoned well shall be abandoned in the following manner:

1. Casing material may be salvaged.

2. Before the well is abandoned, it shall be checked from land surface to the entire depth of the well to ascertain freedom from obstructions that may interfere with abandonment operations.

3. The well shall be thoroughly chlorinated using the dosage rates in 12VAC5-630-430 prior to abandonment.

4. Grout used in well abandonment shall conform to 12VAC5-630-400 E.

5. Bored wells, rock or brick-lined, and uncased wells shall be abandoned using one of the following methods:

a. Clean fill method. Bored, rock or brick-lined, and uncased wells abandoned by this method shall remain designated as wells with respect to the siting of onsite sewage treatment system components per the requirements of 12VAC5-610 and 12VAC5-613. The well shall be backfilled with clean fill to the water level. A two-foot-thick bentonite plug shall be placed immediately above the water level. Clean fill shall be placed on top of the bentonite plug and brought up to at least five feet from the ground surface. The top five feet of the well casing, if present, shall be removed from the bore hole. If an open annular space is present around the well casing, the annular space shall be filled with grout to the maximum depth possible, but not less than or equal to 20 feet. A one-foot-thick cement or bentonite grout plug that completely fills the bore void space shall be placed a minimum of five feet from the ground surface. The remaining space shall be filled with clean fill which is mounded a minimum of one foot above the surrounding ground surface. When the well is fewer than 25 feet deep, this procedure shall be followed to the greatest extent possible, including removing at a minimum the top five feet of casing below ground and grouting the open annular space as described in this subdivision. The location of these wells shall be permanently marked for future reference.

b. Grout abandonment method. Bored, rock or brick-lined, and uncased wells abandoned by this method shall no longer be designated as wells, with the exception of subdivision 5 b (3) of this subsection. At a minimum, the top five feet of well casing below ground, if present, shall be removed from the well bore.

(1) When a continuous annular space is present around the well casing, the annular space shall be filled with grout, placed via a tremie pipe, to the maximum depth possible, but not less than 20 feet.

(2) When an annular space is present but not continuous, materials shall be completely removed from the annular space to the maximum depth possible, but not less than 20 feet, and the annular space shall be filled with grout placed via a tremie pipe.

(3) When an annular space is present but not continuous, and cannot be cleared sufficiently for the annular space to be filled with grout to a depth not less than 20 feet, then accessible annular space will be filled with grout placed via a tremie pipe. Wells in which the annular space cannot be filled with grout to depth of at least 20 feet shall be treated as a well with respect to the siting of onsite sewage treatment components per the requirements of 12VAC5-610 and 12VAC5-613.

(4) If existing well documentation (uniform water well completion report) indicates that the annular space is filled with grout to a minimum depth of 20 feet, the condition of the grout shall be confirmed by visual observation of the top of the grout following the removal of the top five feet of well casing below ground. If the grout appears intact, no further confirmation of grout condition shall be required and abandonment shall proceed. If the grout condition appears compromised based on visual examination, then the requirements of subdivision 5 b (2) or 5 b (3) of this subsection shall apply.

(5) Once the annular space is addressed, the well shall be pumped dry and completely filled with grout poured from the surface. If the well is not pumped dry, grout shall be placed by introduction through a tremie pipe. The placement of grout in the well bore shall completely fill the bore void space to within a minimum of five feet from the ground surface. The well shall be capped with clean fill which is mounded a minimum of one foot above the surrounding ground surface. When the well is fewer than 25 feet deep, this procedure shall be followed to the greatest extent possible, including removing at a minimum the top five feet of casing below ground and cleaning or grouting the open annular space as described in this subdivision.

6. Drilled wells, including observation, monitoring, and remediation wells constructed in collapsing material shall be completely filled with grout placed via a tremie pipe. The well shall be capped with clean fill mounded to a minimum of one foot above the surrounding ground surface and graded to provide positive drainage away from the well.

7. Drilled wells, including observation, monitoring, and remediation wells, constructed in consolidated rock formations or which penetrate zones of consolidated rock shall be completely filled with grout placed via a tremie pipe. At the discretion of the water well service provider, the well may be filled with sand or gravel opposite the zones of consolidated rock. The top of the sand or gravel fill shall be at least five feet below the top of the consolidated rock and at least 20 feet below the land surface. The remainder of the well shall be filled with grout placed via a tremie pipe. The well shall be capped with clean fill mounded to a minimum of one foot above the surrounding ground surface and graded to provide positive drainage away from the well.

8. Other abandonment procedures may be approved by the division on a case by case basis.

9. When bored wells are advanced and a water source is not found, and the casing has not been placed in the bore hole, the well bore shall be abandoned by backfilling with the cuttings or clean fill or both to at least five feet below the ground surface. A two-feet-thick plug of grout shall be placed at a minimum of five feet from the ground surface. The remainder of the bore hole shall be filled with the cuttings or clean fill or both.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100 § 3.11, eff. April 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-460. Water system yields for residential use wells.

A. Drinking water systems that utilize one or more Class III wells shall be capable of supplying water in adequate quantity for the intended usage. Systems with a capacity under three gallons per minute shall have ability to produce and store 150 gallons per bedroom per day and be capable of delivering a sustained flow of five gallons per minute per connection for 10 minutes for ordinary residential use. Systems with a capacity of three gallons per minute or more do not require additional storage.

B. The certified water well systems provider shall certify the storage capacity and the yield of the well on the Uniform Water Well Completion Report.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-176.4 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 22, eff. August 16, 2012; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-470. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100, Appendix II; eff. April 1, 1992; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.

12VAC5-630-480. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR355-34-100, Appendix III; effective April 1, 1992; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 4, eff. November 6, 2024.