Section 920.50  Location

a)         General.  In establishing the location of a well, the constructor shall give consideration to sources of contamination which exist on or adjacent to the premises where the well is to be located.  As far as possible, the well shall be located on ground which 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 in subsection (b) and shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of 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 ground water flow, effect on the ground water 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 have been established. The lack of specific distances for other possible sources of contamination such as streams, refuse disposal sites, excavations, waste treatment facilities, buried oil and gasoline storage tanks, improperly constructed wells and cisterns, does not minimize their potential hazards.  These must 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)         The following minimum lateral distances shall  apply for the common sources of contamination listed:

2)         When the upper formations are more pervious, the lateral distances shall be increased (i.e., double the distance for highly pervious gravel formations).  (See subsections (b)(3) and (4) for additional requirements.)

3)         Prohibitions.  Beginning January 1, 1990, 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 subsection (b)(1).  Where 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 subsection (b)(1).

4)         Where the owner of a water well is the same owner of a potential primary source, potential secondary source, or a potential route, the Department shall allow a variance to the minimum separation distances required between a water well and a potential primary source, potential secondary source or a potential route if a demonstration is provided by the owner of the potable water well that applicable protective measures will be utilized 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 (77 Ill. Adm. Code 900). Applicable protective measures may include ensuring sources of contamination are down grade from the water source or isolation of the potential source of contamination in such a manner as to prevent a route of contamination of the ground water, or isolating the potential source of contamination to prevent accidental introduction of contaminants into ground water.  In order to obtain a variance the owner must comply with Section 920.30(c).  (Section 6(a) of the Act).

c)         Flood Water.  Locations subject to flooding shall be avoided.  If no reasonable alternate site exists, wells may be constructed in flood zones providing special protective construction is included.  The casing of the well shall terminate not less than two 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 so located that the center line of the well extended vertically will clear any projection from the building by not less than two feet.

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

(Source:  Amended at 18 Ill. Reg. 17684, effective November 30, 1994)