Section 920.50  Location

a)         General.  In establishing the location of a well, the constructor shall consider sources of contamination that exist on or adjacent to the location of the well.  As far as possible, the well shall be located on ground that is higher than sources of contamination and shall have ready access for repairs, maintenance, treatment and inspection.  All water wells, except monitoring wells, shall be located in accordance with the minimum distances specified in Table C and shall be constructed in accordance with this Part.

b)         Relation to Sources of Contamination.  Determination of minimum lateral distances to locate a well from potential sources of contamination involves evaluation of the character and location of the sources of contamination, types of geologic formations present, depth to the aquifer, direction of groundwater flow, effect on the groundwater movement by well pumping, and possibilities of flooding of the site by surface waters.  Based on practice and experience, accepted minimum lateral distances for some common sources of pollution with respect to a well are established in Table C.  Other soil conditions or other sources of contamination shall be evaluated in each particular situation and a distance arrived at based on the pertinent facts.  The Department may be called on for assistance in determining a proper distance.

1)         Prohibitions.  No new water well may be located within 200 feet of any potential primary or potential secondary source or any potential route, unless some other distance is allowed or required in Table C.  If the owner is the same for both the well to serve the private water system and a potential secondary source or a potential route, the well shall be no closer than 75 feet from the potential route or potential secondary source, unless some other distance is allowed or required in Table C.

2)         If the owner of a water well is the same owner of a potential primary source, potential secondary source, or potential route, the Department will allow a variance to the minimum separation distances required between a water well and a potential primary source, potential secondary source, or potential route if the owner of the potable water well demonstrates that applicable protective measures will be used to minimize the potential for contamination of the well, and if the resulting well installation can be expected to provide a continuously safe and sanitary water supply in compliance with the Act, this Part and the Department's Drinking Water Systems Code.  Protective measures may include ensuring that sources of contamination are down grade from the water source or isolation of the potential source of contamination so as to prevent a route of contamination of the groundwater, or isolating the potential source of contamination to prevent accidental introduction of contaminants into groundwater.  To obtain a variance, the owner shall comply with Section 920.30(c).  (See Section 6(a) of the Act.)

c)         Floodwater.  Locations subject to flooding shall be avoided.  If no reasonable alternate site exists, wells may be constructed in flood zones if special protective construction is included.  The casing of the well shall terminate not less than 2 feet above the maximum known flood water elevation.

d)         Relation to Building.  With respect to buildings, pits and basements, the location of a well shall be as follows:

1)         Adjacent to Building.  When a well must be located adjacent to a building, it shall be located so that the center line of the well extended vertically will clear any projection from the building by not less than 2 feet.

2)         Pits and Basements.  New wells shall not be constructed in pits or basements.

(Source:  Amended at 37 Ill. Reg. 19676, effective November 25, 2013)