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Procedure for sealing a dug well

September 06, 2010

Illinois state law requires that all abandoned water wells be properly sealed within 30 days after being abandoned to prevent the contamination of the aquifer.

 

Water wells must be sealed by a licensed water well driller. A person who is not licensed may seal a well, provided:

1. A written request form provided by the Health Department is filled out indicating how the well is to be sealed and the materials to be used.

2. The written request is approved by the Health Department prior to the start of the sealing process.

3. The well owner is present at the site while the well is being sealed.

 

PROCEDURE:

***A representative of the Health Department must be present at all well sealings.

A. Remove the water line, pump, and any other obstruction which may interfere with the proper sealing of the well.

B. Before sealing, chlorinate the well by pouring in no less than two gallons of household bleach.

C. Remove the top two feet of brick or stone and drop them into the well.

D. Fill the well with washed pea gravel to within ten feet of the surface.

E. Fill the remaining ten feet to the surface with clay.

***Note: Well may be sealed entirely with clay if desired.

F. Mound up the surface with 1 to 2 feet of soil to compensate for settling.

G. A water well sealing form must then be filled out and submitted to the DeWitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department as soon as possible, but no longer than 30 days after sealing.

 

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