Township of Warrington, PA Well Rules and Regulations

The source of supply shall be from a water bearing formation drawn not less than 40 feet from the ground surface.

Cap wells shall be located at a point free from flooding and at a higher elevation (wherever possible) and at the following distances to existing or potential sources of pollution.

Source Pollution
Minimum isolation distances from the proposed well to the features listed below:

Water Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Delineated wetlands or floodplains	25
Lakes, ponds, spring-prone areas or other surface waters	25
Rainwater pits	25
Storm drains, retention basins, stormwater stabilization ponds	25

Sewage Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Biosolids disposal areas and septage disposal sites	300
Farm silos, barnyards, manure pits or tanks or other storage areas of animal manure	100
Subsurface sewage absorption areas, elevated sand mounds, cesspools, sewage seepage pits, community and single-family spray irrigation systems, etc.	100
Septic tanks, aerobic tanks, sewage pump tanks, holding tanks	50
Gravity sewer lines and drains carrying domestic sewage or industrial waste (except when the sewer line is cast-iron pipe with either watertight lead-caulked joints or joints filled with neoprene gaskets, or if solvent-welded Schedule 40 (or SDR equivalent) or better polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe)	50 (10)
Sewage drains carrying domestic sewage or industrial waste under pressure (except welded steel pipe or solvent-welded Schedule 40 or equivalent or better PVC pipe or concrete-encased pipe)	50 (10)

Chemical Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Preparation area or storage area of hazardous spray materials, fertilizers or chemicals; salt piles	300
Surface or subsurface containers or tanks of over 1,000 gallons used for the storage of materials which cannot be properly renovated by passage through the soil; this includes but is not limited to gasoline and all other petroleum products, (except where tank installation meets current PADEP underground storage tank regulations; documentation must be supplied)	300 (100)
Surface or subsurface containers or tanks of 1,000 gallons or less used for the storage of materials, which cannot be properly remediate by passage through the soil; this includes but is not limited to gasoline and all other petroleum products; for example, the type of tanks frequently found in homes using oil for heating purposes	30
Driveways, parking lots or paved areas; curbed driveways (6 inches minimum), parking lots or paved areas	10; 5
Dedicated road rights-of-way	15
Property lines, rights-of-way, easements	10
Metal or masonry storage buildings on a cement slab	10
Any other source of pollution	As approved

Individual neighboring well: 50 feet.

Any proposed deviation from the distances prescribed in Subsection A(2) above must be approved in writing by the Department Manager, with reasons stated for such deviation.

Construction.

Casing.

All wells serving as a water supply shall be equipped with a watertight and durable wrought-iron, steel or other type of approved casing equivalent to Schedule 40 280 wall thickness. The section of casing shall be joined together by threaded couplings or joints, by welding, or by any other watertight approved joint or coupling. The casing shall be carried to a minimum depth of 40 feet and (then) extended an additional five feet into firm bedrock or other impervious strata and grouted in place. Well casing material other than wrought iron or steel must be resistant to the corrosiveness of the water and to the stresses to which it will be subjected during installation and the grouting operation. Casing and grouting material must be compatible. The criteria established in AWWA Standard A100-15 must be followed. Casings shall terminate a minimum of 18 inches above the surrounding, finished ground surface grade. All casings for water supply or geothermal return wells shall be fitted with an insect-resistant well cap.

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

Ferrous casings shall be new pipe meeting ASTM or API specifications for water well construction, have additional thickness and weight if minimum thickness is not considered sufficient to assure reasonable life expectancy of the well, be capable of withstanding forces to which it is subjected and have full-circumference welds or threaded pipe joints.

Watertight well casing must be placed at a sufficient depth to prevent the entrance of pollution from surface runoff and polluted aquifers.

Grout materials and placement.

All grout information (type of cement or bentonite and number of bags of cement or bentonite used for grouting) must be submitted in writing on Form WTWSD-01 to the Department by the well driller within 30 days of completion of the well drilling process.

In all well installations, an annular space shall be provided between the well casing and the earth formation. The annular space shall be completely filled with approved grout materials, in one continuous operation, under pressure from the bottom to the natural land surface, within 24 hours after completion of the drilling. In the event that grouting is done following the completion of all drilling operations, care must be taken to prevent the entrance of drillers mud into the annulus during the completion of the bore hole by the use of a rubber packer or other acceptable method. The annular space shall be completely cleared of all obstructions prior to the placement of the grout material. Exterior grouting methods must be used in this instance. The casing shall be sealed effectively against entrance of water from water bearing zones which are subject to pollution, through which the casing may pass, by grouting a minimum of 10 feet above and 10 feet below the polluted or undesirable water-bearing zone. During the installation of the pitless adapter, grout material may be removed from the exterior of the casing in order to provide a watertight seal between the casing and the pitless adapter.

After the grout has been placed in the annular space, drilling of the bore hole may proceed for a maximum of four hours; and if not completed within that time period, a curing time of 36 hours must be provided before drilling may resume. A curing time of 12 hours for Type III portland cement must be provided immediately following the placement of the grout. Drilling is not permitted during the curing period. If casings of smaller diameter are used in the lower portions of the well, effective watertight seals shall be provided between the casings where they telescope for a minimum distance of four feet.

The annular space of all well installations must be filled with one of the following listed grout materials:

Neat cement grout shall consist of a mixture of API Class G (or Class B similar to ASTM C150 Type II) and water in the ratio of 0.67 cubic foot (0.019 m³) of water per ninety-four-pound (42.7 kilograms) sack weighing approximately 228 pounds per cubic foot. A maximum of 6% by weight of bentonite and 2% by weight of calcium chloride may be added.

Pozmix-cement grout shall consist of a mixture of 50% by volume of Pozzolan A (74 lbs./cu. ft.³) (1185 kg/m³) and 50% by volume of API Spec. 10, Class G cement with 0.77 cubic feet (0.02 m³) of water per 84 pounds (38.2 kilograms) of mixture. To this mixture of 2% by weight of calcium chloride, at the discretion of the contractor.

[3]

Concrete grout shall contain 5.3 sacks of Portland cement (ASTM C150 Type II) per cubic yard of concrete and a maximum of seven gallons (0.026 m³) of water per ninety-four-pound (42.7 kilograms) sack of cement. The maximum slump shall be four inches. The aggregate shall consist of 47% sand and 53% coarse aggregate, conforming to ASTM Designation c-33. The maximum size aggregate should be 0.75 inches. Concrete grout shall not be placed in an annulus of less than three inches.

[4]

Sand cement grout shall consist of a mixture of Portland cement (ASTM C150 Type II), 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 (0.022 m³) of water per ninety-four-pound (42.7 kilograms) sack of cement.

[5]

Bentonite grout shall be a pure bentonite with at least 20% solids by weight when mixed with water. Hydration of the bentonite must be delayed until bentonite mix has been placed down the well. This can be done by using additives with the dry bentonite or in water; mixing calcium bentonite with sodium bentonite or by using granular bentonite which has less surface area.

[6]

In all well installations, if rapid loss of grout material occurs during placement, coarse fill material (e.g., sand, gravel, crushed stone, dry cement) may be used in the zone or zones in which the rapid loss is occurring. The remainder of the annular space shall be grouted as provided below. In no case shall pouring, dumping or shoveling of grout material into the annular space be deemed an approved method of grout placement.

Grout placement.

Grout pipe outside casing.

The minimum annular space of 1 1/2 inches around the entire outside of the casing shall be provided by drilling a bore hole three inches larger than the outside diameter of the casing to be inserted. All grout shall be placed by pumping through the grout pipe. The entire interval to be grouted shall be open and without obstructions. Washing or jetting with water is recommended for cleaning the bore hole and may serve to remove obstructions caused by casing which otherwise would prevent a proper grout. It is recommended that the grout pipe extend from the surface to the bottom of the interval to be grouted. The grout pipe may remain extended to the bottom of the interval during and after grouting, or it may be raised slowly as a grout is placed, provided that the discharge end of the grout pipe remains submerged in the emplaced grout at all times until grouting is completed. In the event of interruption in the grouting operations, the bottom of the grout pipe shall be raised above the grout level and should not be resubmerged until the air and water have been displaced from the grout pipe.

Grouting depths greater than 30 feet. The minimum length of grout pipe shall be inserted into the annular space is 30 feet.

[3]

Grouting depths of 30 feet and less. Grout may be placed by a tremie pipe inserted only a short distance (approximately five feet into the annular space, provided that the entire interval to be grouted is clearly visible from the surface and is dry. An annular space larger than the minimum 1 1/2 inches may be required to assure visibility from the surface.

Grout pipe inside casing. The bottom of the casing is fitted with a packer arrangement, also referred to as a "cementing shoe" or "float shoe," and the casing is placed in the bore hole a short distance off the bottom. The float shoe allows grout to be pumped through the grout pipe and upward into the annular space while preventing grout leakage into the casing during grouting and after removal of grout pipe. Grouting is continued until cement appears at the surface, at which time the grout pipe is disconnected from the float shoe. The float shoe is drilled out after the grout sets and hardens sufficiently.

Interior method two plug. The first plug separates the grout from the fluid in the casing, and the other separates the grout from the water pumped in above it. First, the casing is placed a short distance off the bottom. After pumping water through the casing to circulate fluid in the annular space and clear any obstructions from the hole, the first plug is inserted, and the casing is capped. A measured volume of grout is pumped in which is sufficient to fill the annular space. The casing then is opened, and the second plug inserted. A measured volume of water is pumped in above the second plug until it is pushed to the bottom of the casing and most of the grout is expelled up and into the annual space. The water in the casing is held under pressure to prevent the backflow of grout until it has set and hardened.

Interior method upper plug. The casing is placed a short distance off the bottom, and the water is pumped into the casing to circulate fluid through the annular space to clear any obstructions from the hole. A measured quantity of grout slightly greater than that needed to fill the annular space is pumping into the capped casing. Because this grout is in direct contact with the drilling fluid, there will be a narrow zone of weak grout between the drilling fluid and good grout; however, this zone should remain inside the casing and not be forced into the annular space. The casing is opened, and a drillable plug is inserted. A measured volume of water is pumped in above the plug until it is pushed to the bottom of the casing and most of the grout is expelled up and into the annular space. The water in the casing is held under pressure until the grout sets and hardens.

Interior method capped casing. The casing is placed a short distance off the bottom, and water is pumped into the casing to circulate fluid in the annular space and clear any obstructions from the hole. The grout pipe passes through an airtight cap at the top of the casing and is positioned three to four feet above the bottom of the casing. The grout pipe is assembled so that it can be pulled through the cap a distance of about 20 feet after the injection of grout is completed. A bleeder valve is provided to release air from inside the casing as it is filled with water. The first step is to fill the casing and annular space with water. With the upper end of the casing closed, grouting is started by forcing the cement through the grout pipe upward into the annular space. Grouting is continued until the cement overflows around the casing at ground surface. Just enough water is pumped to clear the cement from the grout pipe, and the grout pipe is lifted free of the grout. Both the casing and grout pipe shall be kept tightly closed under pressure until the cement sets and hardens.

Grout displacement method. The hole is filled with the estimated volume of grout required to fill the annular space, and the casing is lowered into the hole. The bottom of the casing is closed in a tight, drillable plug. Guides often are used to keep the casing centered in the hole. As the casing is lowered, the grout is forced upward around it to fill the annular space. If the pipe does not sink to the bottom under its own weight, it is filled with water.

(g)

Unconsolidated formations. When drilling through an unconsolidated formation, a steel drive shoe shall be required. Grouting shall be done in accordance with the following:

If caving conditions are experienced on wells deeper than 30 feet, the annular space shall be grouted from the point where caving occurred or from a depth of 30 feet, whichever is greater, to land surface.

If the annular space cannot be grouted in accordance with these regulations, the well shall be abandoned and sealed in accordance with § 353-9 of this article.

(h)

Other grouting methods and materials may be used subject to prior written approval of the Department.

Packers. Packers, when used, shall be of materials that will not impart taste, odor, toxic substances or bacterial contamination to the well water.

Well screens. Well screens, when used, shall:

Provide the maximum amount of open area while still maintaining structural strength.

Have the size of openings in the screen based on a sieve analysis of the material contained in the surrounding geological formation or gravel pack.

Be constructed of materials resistant to damage by chemical action of groundwater or cleaning operations.

Have sufficient diameter to provide adequate specific capacity and low-aperture velocity. Usually, the entrance velocity should not exceed 0.1 foot per second.

Be installed so that the pumping water level remains above the screen under all operating conditions.

Be designed and installed to permit removal or replacement without adversely affecting watertight construction of the well.

(g)

Be provided with a bottom place or wash-down bottom fitting of the same material as a screen.

(6)

Gravel packs. Gravel packs, when used:

Shall be well rounded particles, 95% siliceous material, that are smooth and uniform, free of foreign material, properly sized, washed and disinfected immediately prior to or during replacement.

Shall be placed in one uniform continuous operation.

Gravel refill pipes, when used, shall be Schedule 40 steel pipe incorporated within the pump foundation and terminated with screwed or welded caps at least 12 inches above the pump house floor or concrete apron.

Gravel refill pipes located in the grouted annular opening shall be surrounded by a minimum of 1.5 inches of grout.

Protection from leakage of grout into the gravel pack or screen shall be provided.

(7)

Pit installations. Pit installations are used where the casing terminates below the ground surface. Where well pits are used, such pits shall be maintained free of water at all times. The floor of the pit shall be a watertight reinforced concrete platform at least four inches thick poured around the casing and shall be provided with a watertight seal. The floor of the pit shall extend at least two feet from the center of the casing in all directions. In all cases, the pit shall be sized to allow adequate working space. The casing shall extend above the floor for at least 12 inches. An insect-resistant well cap shall be installed. The surface of the floor shall be pitched toward a drain which has a minimum diameter of four inches and discharged by gravity to the surface of the ground in an area not subject to flooding or to a basement which is effectively protected against flooding. Drain openings shall be effectively screened to prevent the entrance of insects and rodents. The drain shall not be connected to any sewer or other drain. The pit shall have watertight reinforced concrete walls four inches thick or equivalent which provide for an effective watertight seal against the floor. The top of the pit shall be a watertight reinforced monolithic concrete slab at least four inches thick, which shall be sealed with the wall so as to effectively prevent the entrance of water. The top of the pit shall not be more than six inches below the ground surface. A durable watertight manhole shall be installed in the top of the pit centered over the casing and effectively sealed with the top to prevent the entrance of water. This manhole shall be at least 24 inches in diameter. It shall extend at least three inches above the surrounding ground surface and be covered by an impervious durable cover of concrete, steel or equivalent material which overlaps the manhole vertically by at least two inches. The manhole cover shall be effectively secured to the manhole by bolting, locking or equivalent means and shall be kept so secured. Pit installations shall not be used in areas subject to flooding by groundwater or surface water or where the groundwater level rises to within one foot of the bottom of the proposed pit. Where pipes enter the pit, the annular space between the pipes and the wall shall be effectively sealed by a watertight permanent seal.

(8)

Pitless installations. Pitless installations are those installations where the casing terminates above the ground surface.

Where pitless installations are used, they shall be of a design which provides an effective seal against the entrance of groundwater or surface water into the well, access casing and into the piping leading to the pump. All buried suction lines shall be effectively encased or otherwise protected to prevent external damage or contamination. Pitless installations must be so designed as to be structurally sound and to provide for ready removal of drop piping without excavation. The access casing shall be effectively protected against corrosion and shall extend at least 18 inches above the natural ground surface and to a point below the frost line. The ground level at this point shall be elevated above the adjacent ground level and graded to drain away in all directions. The top of the access shall be effectively sealed against the entrance of waters, insects and rodents. An insect resistant cap shall be installed. The pitless adapter shall not be submerged in water or used in areas used by automobiles and other vehicles.

Where surface installations (i.e., hand pumps, pump rooms, etc.) are used, a watertight reinforced-concrete platform at least four inches thick and extending for at least two feet in all directions from the center of the casing shall be poured around the casing to provide an effective watertight seal with the casing, or it shall be made watertight with an effective permanent seal. The surface of the platform shall slope to the edges. The casing shall extend through the slab for a least 12 inches and shall be effectively sealed against the entrance of contamination. An insect-resistant well cap shall be installed where appropriate. All pumping equipment shall be protected against freezing. If a pump room is proposed, it shall be so sized to allow adequate working space.

(9)

Venting. Where venting is required, an overlapping cover or pipe with the opening facing downward shall be required. Such venting shall be effectively protected against the entrance of insects and rodents. An insect-resistant well cap shall be installed. In no case shall openings be less than 12 inches from the ground or, in the case of pit installations, the floor.

(10)

Individual water supply system standard.

An individual water supply system shall produce not less than 480 gallons of water in a two-hour period, at least twice each day, 12 hours apart.

If the sustained yield of the individual well or individual well system is not capable of meeting the total individual water supply system standard, sufficient storage shall be required. Bore hole capacity and/or a storage tank shall provide storage capacity.

(11)

Minimum yield for individual wells.

All potable water supply wells intended to serve as an individual water supply shall be approved for yield in accordance with this subsection. Replacement wells servicing existing improved properties may be exempt from this requirement or wells servicing new construction may be released from this requirement at the discretion of the Manager or his authorized representative.

The criteria for approval shall be a minimum well yield of one gallon per minute.

For wells with yields of two gallons per minute or less, a minimum of 400 gallons of storage capacity shall be provided. Bore hole storage shall be measured from the pump level to the top of the static water column. Wells with yields between two gallons and four gallons per minute shall provide the storage capacity required to meet the individual water supply standard described in Subsection B(10).

If the well does not meet the yield requirement of Subsection B(11)(b), a second well shall be required. If the combined yield of this well system does not provide the required yield, the Department will allow the use of this well system, utilizing the appropriate release agreement, provided the well system meets the individual water supply system standard in Subsection B(10). The permittee may propose to construct additional wells in an attempt to meet the yield requirement.

The minimum well yield requirements set forth in this Subsection B(11) are deemed sufficient to supply an adequate quantity of water for normal indoor household or equivalent usage. A supplemental source of water may be needed to support outdoor or other nonconsumptive uses.

A report (Form WTWSD-01-1) that documents the well testing shall be submitted to the Department, that contains the following:

The name, address and telephone number of the well driller and personnel conducting the test.

A complete description of the test well(s) that includes the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the well(s), the casing installed with specifications and the specifications of the grouting material used.

[3]

Date the well(s) was drilled.

[4]

Depth of the well(s).

[5]

Method used to drill the well(s).

[6]

Type of casing and grouting used.

[7]

Distance of the well from water-related, sewage-related, chemical-related or individual neighboring wells.

[8]

Location and distance to public sewer lines.

[9]

Type and quantity of storage to be provided (if applicable).

[10]

A list of rock formations identified during drilling.

[11]

The static water level immediately prior to the testing for yield.

[12]

A hydrograph of the depth to the water surface during pump testing and the recovery period at the test well(s) showing corresponding pump and discharge rate in gallons per minute and the time at which readings were taken.

[13]

A statement of water quality conditions and degree of compliance with § 353-13B(2).

[14]

A mapping of well location on the property showing all other data required by this article.

[15]

Recommended depth for the pump.

§ 353-7 Groundwater monitoring wells and test wells.

Monitoring wells.

Due to the variability in the information to be obtained, groundwater monitoring wells shall not be subject to strict compliance with the isolation distances given in § 353-6 of this article. The construction of each monitoring well must first receive written approval of the Manager or his authorized representative in the form of a permit. Each monitoring well must be designed to minimize potential contamination of the aquifer and to maximize the information obtained from each installation. Analysis and reports prepared on monitoring wells must be submitted to the Department.

Continued upkeep and safe operation and maintenance of all monitoring wells shall be the ultimate responsibility of the property owner.

Whenever a property on which a monitoring well is located is sold or subsequently changes ownership, the Department shall be informed of the change. All information regarding the owner and any entity responsible for operation and maintenance of the well shall be kept current at all times.

The property owner shall be responsible to inform the Department of the operational status of the well. This shall be required on an annual basis within 30 days of the anniversary of the original issuance date of the permit for each monitoring well.

When a monitoring well is no longer going to be actively used, it shall be considered as an abandoned well according to § 353-4 of this article and is required to be sealed in accordance with the abandonment procedures given in § 353-9.

(6)

Failure to comply with the above requirements relating to ownership, reporting and the operation, maintenance or abandonment of any monitoring well may result in legal action being initiated against the property owner by this Department.

Test wells.

Test wells require a permit and must meet the isolation distances and construction standards of § 353-6B of this article for water supply wells.

Test wells are temporary and therefore are not permitted as permanent supply wells. Once the intended use of the well has been completed, the well shall be considered abandoned according to § 353-4 of this article and shall be sealed according to § 353-9.

Test wells may be converted for use as a permanent supply well. To be converted for use as a supply well, the owner shall submit a new application and the applicable fee for a new well permit to the Department and meet the requirements of § 353-12 of this article. A new plot plan shall be required and the original well driller's geologic log (No. FM-TGS-15) and well completion form (No. WTWSD-01 and WTWSD-01-1) must be submitted.

The converted test well will not be granted approval for use until a copy of the pump completion information form (No. WTWSD-02) and a water quality analysis showing that the water meets the requirements of § 353-13 is submitted to this Department. In addition, documentation that the supply well meets the individual supply system standard in § 353-6B(10) and minimum yield requirements in § 353-6B(11) must be submitted to this Department prior to well approval.

Failure to comply with these regulations regarding test wells may result in the initiation of legal action against the property owner by this Department.

§ 353-8 Pumps and other equipment.

Head pump installations.

The pump head shall be designed and constructed to prevent contamination from reaching the water chamber and other interior surfaces of the pump.

The pump shall be designed and constructed to provide an effective watertight seal with the well casing or stored water reservoir.

The pump cylinder or foot valve shall be installed below the pumping level of the well.

The pump shall be designed where necessary for protection against freezing.

All pump information must be submitted in writing on Department form WTWSD-02 within 30 days of the installation of the pump.

Power pump installations.

The base of a pump installed directly over a well casing or pipe sleeve shall be designed to provide an effective watertight seal with the casing or pipe sleeve.

All power pumps shall be installed on a firm base in an area free from flooding.

Where power pumps are installed in pits, the pits shall meet the requirements of § 353-6B(7). In addition, the pit shall be ventilated with a pipe of a diameter of at least 1 1/2 inches.

Location and installation of the pump and all related equipment shall permit convenient access, removal, maintenance and repair.

The pump suction opening shall be placed at least two feet below the maximum drawdown of the water in the well. However, the pump suction opening shall be placed at a sufficient distance from the bottom of the well so as to prevent agitation of accumulated sediment.

Well cap replacement. Whenever a pump is repaired or replaced, the pump installer shall ensure that an insect-resistant well cap is installed on the well. Caps other than insect-resistant caps shall be replaced with insect-resistant caps. If an existing insect-resistant cap is to be reinstalled on a well, the pump installer shall inspect the condition of the cap and either clean or replace the cap as necessary to ensure that the integrity and operation of the well is maintained. The new well cap should be a watertight locking cap with O-ring seals.

§ 353-9 Abandonment of wells.

The Department must be notified in writing within 30 days by the well contractor and/or property owner when a well meets the criteria of an abandoned well under § 353-4 of this article. All wells considered to be abandoned shall be filled and sealed by a Department-licensed well contractor in accordance with the procedures for abandonment listed in this subsection. Written notification and proper documentation of abandonment shall be submitted to the Department within 30 days from the point that the subject well has met the criteria of or otherwise been determined to be an abandoned well according to § 353-4. One of the following methods of abandonment described below must be used in accordance with the geological formations penetrated and in such a manner as to prevent the bore hole being sealed from acting as a channel for pollution or the escape of subterranean gases. A report, as required above, of the method of sealing shall be filed with the Department (Form WTWSD-05).

A well in unconsolidated deposits shall be filled with neat cement grout or concrete grout.

The section of a well in a cavernous or creviced rock (such as cavernous limestone or diabase, creviced granite, etc.) shall be filled with concrete or neat cement grout or alternate layers of concrete or neat cement grout, gravel or stone aggregate. The filling shall be completed at the top by a layer of neat cement grout, concrete grout or bentonite extending at least 20 feet (6.1 meters) above the top of the cavernous rock or to the ground surface.

The section of a wall in sandstone strata shall be filled with neat cement grout, concrete grout or sand. The filling shall be completed at the top of the formation by a layer of neat cement grout, concrete grout or bentonite extending at least 20 feet (6.1 meters) above the top of the sandstone or to the ground surface.

The flow in a flowing well shall be confined and the well filled in accordance with preceding paragraphs, or the well shall be sealed by pressure grouting.

Abandonment of wells containing subterranean gases requires special precautions, and a casing in such a well shall be sealed with neat cement grout, concrete grout or bentonite.

Debris or obstructions that may interfere with sealing operations shall be removed from the well.

§ 353-10 Disinfection.

Following the completion of the construction of an individual, semipublic water or public supply and installation of the pumping equipment, or alterations, repairs or maintenance work, the well shall be pumped continuously until the water discharged is clear. The well, pump, piping system and other fixtures shall be filled with water containing a concentration of not less than 100 parts per million of free chlorine. A portion of the chlorine solution shall be recirculated directly to the well in order to ensure proper agitation. The water shall not be used for a period of 24 hours. Other combinations of concentration and time intervals may be used as are demonstrated to be equally effective.

Disposal of the purged water shall be at a point so as to minimize adverse effects to aquatic life, and, further, the purged water shall not be discharged into any subsurface sewage disposal system. One ounce (28 g/0.8 kg) of dry calcium hypochlorite (70% available chlorine), dissolved in 52.5 gallons (200 liters) of water, makes a 100 ppm strength disinfectant solution. Various proportions can be worked out using the approximate quantities shown in the following table:

Diameter of the Well Casing	Water Standing in Well	Amount of Dry Powder (HTH or Equivalent) to make at least 110 ppm Chlorine Solution
4 inches (10.16 cm)	100 feet (31 m) (65.5 gallons) (247 1)	3 tablespoonfuls or 1/4 cup (36.7g)
6 inches (15.24 cm)	100 feet (31 m) (147 gallons) (556 1)	7 tablespoonfuls or 1/2 cup (82.3 g)
8 inches (18.32 cm)	100 feet (31 m) (261 gallons) (998 1)	12 tablespoonfuls or 3/4 cup (146.2 g)
10 inches (25.4 cm)	100 feet (31 m) (408 gallons) (1,554 1)	1 1/4 cups (228.5 g)
12 inches (30.5 cm)	100 feet (31 m) (587 gallons) (2,222 1)	1 3/4 cups (328.7 g)

§ 353-11 Cross-connections.

Every potable water distributing pipe shall be protected against cross-connection with, and backflow from, any plumbing fixture or other piece of equipment or appliance capable of affecting the quality of the potable water by having the outlet end from which the water flows spaced a minimum distance of twice the diameter of the water supply pipe above the flood level rim of the receptacle into which the potable water flows, except:

Where it is not practicable to provide this minimum distance, the connection to the fixture, equipment or appliance shall be equipped with a cross-connection-prevention assembly of a type and location approved by the Department.

For semipublic supplies, the Department shall require a cross-connection-prevention device of a type and location approved by the Department be installed at any fixed potable water outlet to which a hose may be connected. This subsection shall apply to all semipublic water supplies constructed after the effective date of this article. Existing semipublic water supplies shall be subject to this requirement within one year from the effective date of this section.

Public water systems shall comply with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P.S. 721.1 et seq.).

§ 353-12 Permit procedure.

All individual, semipublic or public water supplies and geothermal wells, monitoring wells and test wells shall be constructed in strict compliance with the specifications set forth in this section of these rules and regulations.

All individual, semipublic or public water supplies and geothermal wells, monitoring wells and test wells constructed pursuant to these rules and regulations shall be constructed by a duly licensed well contractor, geothermal well installation contractor or pump installation contractor who is licensed as set forth in this section of the rules and regulations. The licensed well or geothermal well installation contractor is responsible for taking all reasonable precautions to ensure the maintenance of all isolation distances as set forth in these regulations. This includes but is not limited to visual site inspections, drilling the well in the location specified on the well permit and confirmation of these distances by the property owner.

Note: All locations, construction, alterations, abandonment and permitting of individual private well water supplies will be governed by ordinances of the County of Bucks, Pennsylvania and administered by rules and regulations set forth from time to time by the Bucks County Board of Health.

The installation, repair or alteration of any well, casing, water supply line for new construction, well pit or pitless adapter constitutes the installation of a water supply or well and requires a permit prior to the beginning of the installation of a water supply system or of any building(s) for which such a system is to be installed. Geothermal wells are required to be permitted. No permit will be required by the Department for the installation of a water service line that is connected to a public source, the repair or replacement of a well pump, or for treatment processes in a public water system; provided, however, that the disinfection procedures outlined in § 353-10 of this article shall be strictly adhered to.

The application for a permit for the installation of an individual semipublic water supply, geothermal well, monitoring well or test well must be made by a well contractor appropriately licensed by the Department, in the name of the real property owner or equitable owner with written documentation of the Department. All well permit applications for new construction must be issued in the same name as the issued sewage permit, except for those instances where the sewage permit has received prior approval from the Department. No well permit can be issued for a property proposing new construction unless there is a valid sewage permit in effect at the time of application.

The application shall contain such information as the Department deems necessary, including the information found in the Department water well permit application (Form WTWSD-01) and information as may be required by the Department to ensure that the proposed construction complies with this section.

Permits shall be issued or denied within seven working days after receipt of a completed well application. When the Department has found an application to be incomplete, or the Department is unable to verify the information submitted, the applicant shall be notified in writing that the additional information or clarification is required. The Department's time for acting upon a permit shall be extended 15 days beyond the date of receipt of the supplementary or amendatory information.

A permit denial and/or approval to use the water supply shall be withheld in those areas of the Township where the Department has been notified by the state or federal agencies or other sources that the area is unsuitable for the installation of on-site water wells due to known groundwater contamination unless the following are met:

The water well must be tested prior to use and on a yearly basis for all known and suspected contaminants in the area.

Where the water quality analysis shows that the contaminant level exceeds the maximum contaminate levels allowed by the Safe Drinking Water Act,[1] the water must be treated by the appropriate treatment unit before approval to use can be granted.

Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 721.1 et seq.

When the Department is satisfied that the application is complete and the proposed design meets the requirements found in this section, a permit will be issued.

If the well contractor hired to drill the well is not the contractor named on the issued permit application, the Department must be notified in writing prior to the installation of the well.

The well must be drilled in the permitted location. Any deviation from the permitted location must be approved in writing by the Department prior to the start of the drilling process. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in legal action being taken against the property owner and/or well drilling contractor.

If construction or installation of an individual, semipublic water supply, geothermal well and any building or structure for which such water supply system or ground-source heat pump equipment is to be installed has not commenced within three years from the date of issuance of the permit, said permit shall expire. A new permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of said construction or installation.

Permits for monitoring wells and test wells shall expire three years from the date of issuance if construction of the permitted well has not commenced, and a new permit shall be required prior to construction of the well.

A permit shall be revoked by the Department at any time for any one or more of the following reasons, which shall be incorporated into a written revocation:

When any change has occurred in the physical conditions of any lands which will materially affect the operation of an individual, semipublic or public water supply;

When information material to the issuance of the permit has been falsified;

When the decision of the Department fails to conform with the provisions of this section; or

When the permittee has violated the provisions of this section.

No individual, semipublic or public water supply may be used and no structure served by an individual, semipublic or public water supply may be occupied unless the individual, semipublic or public water supply receives an "approval to use" from the Department. No geothermal well, whether open- or closed-loop, may be used without being given approval to use by the Department. The approval to use will only be issued after submission of properly completed: (i) well driller's topographic and geologic survey (Form FM-TGS-15); (ii) the Warrington Township Water and Sewer Department well permit (Form WTWSD-01); (iii) a water quality report for water supply and open-loop geothermal wells, completed by a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved laboratory which complies with all parameters outlined in § 353-13, Water quality; (iv) a satisfactory site inspection; (v) pump completion form (WTWSD-02) for supply wells; (vi) well completion form (FM-TGS-15).

A community public water system may not be used until the owner receives approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

No monitoring well or test well shall be used until it has received written approval for use from the Department.

If an emergency condition exists, that is, if the lack of water poses an immediate and significant danger to the health and welfare of persons, livestock or domestic fowl or crops, then the Department shall issue a permit within 24 hours of receipt of the completed permit application. It is the responsibility of the well contractor and/or property owner or tenant to substantiate that an emergency condition exists by submission of a signed statement to the Department. Emergency permits will not be issued over the telephone except in such instances where the Department may be closed for a period of time in excess of 24 hours, and then only to replace an existing water supply where the lack of water poses an immediate and significant threat to human health or when the Department determines that other exceptional circumstances exist. When permits are issued over the telephone, the well contractor must submit the required signed statement and the completed well application to the Department by 9:00 a.m. on the next regularly scheduled Department workday.

The drilling process for an emergency well must begin within 24 hours of receipt of the permit or verbal approval or said permit/verbal approval is void, except where inclement weather conditions or other abnormal circumstances occur.

The well contractor must have the well permit and/or verbal approval well permit number in his possession at the specific job site during all aspects of the well drilling process.

Within 30 days of the completion of the well drilling process, the well contractor must submit written drilling and grouting information to the Department utilizing Forms WTWSD-01 and WTWSD-02 in addition to the Well Driller's Log Form FM-TGS-15. Approval to use the well will not be granted until all of the requirements outlined in § 353-6B and Subsection H have been satisfied.

Within 30 days after the completion of the pump installation process for supply wells, the pump installation contractor must submit written information to the Department as described in § 353-8 (Form WTWSD-02).

Second wells on existing properties or agricultural/irrigation wells on farm/commercial properties must receive "approval to use" from the Department no more than 90 days from the completion of the drilling process.

Failure to comply with these regulations will result in legal action being taken against the property owner/equitable owner and/or well contractor and/or pump installation contractor. Neither the well contractor nor the pump installation contractor shall refuse to submit the information required in Subsection J and J(1) due to the nonpayment for his or her services.

§ 353-13 Water quality.

Water quality for public water supplies shall be regulated by the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act (35 P.S. 721.1 et seq.).

All water samples to be tested must be drawn by a trained Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) certified laboratory employee or a Township-licensed well driller. Qualified engineers or environmental consultant may also draw samples.

All water test results to be submitted to the Department must contain the following information: (i) permittee's name; (ii) address of origin of sample; (iii) WTWSD-01; (iv) the name of the person who took the water sample; (v) statement indicating if the sample was treated or untreated.

Only an original laboratory analysis report of the water quality of a supply well will be accepted for final approval to use.

Falsification of any document submitted to this Department may result in the initiation of legal action against the property owner and/or the responsible party.

Water quality for new individual and semipublic water supplies shall conform with the following:

Microbiological water quality requirements. Procedures for testing for microbiological contaminants shall be approved by and conducted by a laboratory certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the technique used. Evidence of such tests shall be given to the Department verifying that the tests have been conducted by a laboratory approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Microbiological, physical and chemical water quality requirements. Individual and semipublic water supplies must meet the following standards:

[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

Secondary Contaminants
	SMCL (mg/L)
pH*	6.5 to 8.5 units
Temperature*	N/A degrees
Chloride	250
Sulfate	250
Total dissolved solids	500
Color	15 color units
Odor	3 threshold odor numbers
Turbidity	0.5 to 1 NTU**
Iron	0.3
Manganese	0.05
Copper	1

NOTES:
SMCL = Secondary maximum contaminant level
*	Can be measured in the field
**	Performance standard

Microbiological Contaminants
	MCLG
Total coliforms*	0

NOTES:
MCLG = Maximum contaminant level goal
*	If positive, analyze for fecal coliform

Inorganic Chemicals
	MCL (mg/L)
Arsenic	0.010
Barium	2.0
Cadmium	0.005
Chromium	0.1
Lead	0.005
Mercury	0.002
Nitratre + Nitrite (as Nitrogen)	10.0

Volatile Organic Chemicals
	MCL (mg/L)
Benzene	0.005
Carbon Tetrachloride	0.005
o-Dichlorobenzene	0.6
para-Dichlorobenzene	0.075
1,2-Dichloroethane	0.005
1,1-Dichloroethylene	0.007
cis-Dichloroethylene	0.07
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene	0.1
Dichloromethane	0.005
1,2-Dichloropropane	0.005
Ethylbenzene	0.7
Monochlorobenzene	0.1
Styrene	0.1
Tetrachloroethylene	0.005
Toluene	1.0
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene	0.07
1,1,1-Trichloroethane	0.2
1,1,2-Trichloroethane	0.005
Trichloroethylene	0.005
Vinyl Chloride	0.002
Xylenes (Total)	10.0

Synthetic Organic Chemicals
Alachlor	0.002
Atrazine	0.003
Chlordane	0.002
Dibromochloropropane	0.002
Ethylenedibromide	0.00005
Hexochlorocyclopentadiene	0.05
Lindane	0.0002
Methoxychlor	0.04
Simazine	0.004
Carbofuran	0.04
2,4D	0.07
Endothal	0.1

NOTES:
MCL = Maximum contaminant level

All water quality tests must be conducted for each category listed in Subsection B(2) by a laboratory, certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, verifying that the tests have been conducted by a laboratory approved by the PADEP.

If total coliform, turbidity or nitrates + nitrites are not within the specified standards noted in Subsection B(2), treatment of the water supply is required to achieve compliance with the standards.

If iron, manganese, chloride, color, pH, MBAS or odor is in excess of the above listed standards in Subsection B(2), treatment is recommended.

When a treatment unit has been installed to correct a condition requiring treatment [Subsection B(2)(b)], this Department must conduct an inspection to verify the installation of the treatment unit(s), as well as receive written information including the make and model number of any installed treatment unit(s). Treatment units must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.

When the parameters listed in Subsection B(2) are not within the specified limits in the initial water testing process, this Department requires two consecutive (minimum 24 hours apart) passing results without treatment (other than disinfection as per § 353-15 of this article) to be submitted or one passing result accompanied by a written description of the treatment unit (when a treatment unit has been installed).

For either individual or semipublic water supplies, additional analyses and treatment of the water may be required if the Bucks County Department of Health or the Department has reason to suspect that harmful substances are present in the water in amounts that are significantly adverse to human health, safety or comfort.

In those areas identified as "areas of concern" due to their proximity to either suspected or confirmed Superfund sites, leaking underground storage tanks and other areas of documented groundwater contamination, the Department will require testing of new wells for the contaminants known to be associated with the specific site.

All individual private well supplies must be tested every third year for total and fecal coliform. Tests must be performed by a qualified lab or through the Bucks County Department of Health testing program. The Department will notify residents of the test due dates. The well owner will be required to submit the original copy of the test results to the Department.

§ 353-14 Water source replacements.

Whenever a public water supply or another well replaces an existing well, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to have the existing well properly abandoned by a licensed well contractor in accordance with § 353-9, Abandonment of wells, of this article. No well may exist in a decommissioned state (Form WTWSD-03).

All wells that are to be abandoned, or wells that are removed from use or a usable status such as decommissioned wells or any well that meets the definition of an abandoned well according to § 353-4, shall be abandoned according to the requirements of § 353-9, Abandonment of wells (Form WTWSD-05).

A well that has been replaced by another well shall not be required to be abandoned if the property owner has made written request to the Department to maintain the well for purposes that will not endanger groundwater, the environment or public health and has received written approval to maintain the well from the manager or his authorized representative (Form WTWSD-04).

A well that has been replaced by a public water supply shall not be required to be abandoned if the property owner has submitted a written request to the Department for approval to continue to maintain the well and has received written approval to maintain the well from the manager or his authorized representative (Form WTWSD-04).

Wells that have been replaced by public water supplies may not be used or maintained where any federal, state or local agency has determined that the continued use or maintenance of the well could interfere with the cleanup of contaminated groundwater or a contaminated site.

Any well given approval by the Department when replaced by a public water supply cannot have any kind of hard connection with the public water supply.

Well permits will not be issued in areas where a public water supply exists if the location of the new well is within the cone of influence of an existing municipal well.

§ 353-15 Agricultural water supplies.

Agricultural water wells must meet all Department isolation requirements as noted in § 353-6A(2).

Wells used specifically for irrigation of crops, irrigation of recreational or institutional grasslands or other nonconsumptive use must be tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates.

Test results must be submitted to the Department prior to the use of the well. It will not be required that the supply be treated if the parameters are outside of the standard listed in § 353-13B(2).

Wells used for watering dairy livestock must be tested for pH, coliform, bacteria and nitrates, and the results must be submitted to the Department prior to usage.

If total coliform is not within the specified standards noted in § 353-13B(2), treatment is recommended.

If the pH of the water is below 6.7 or the nitrates are higher than 30 ppm, treatment is recommended.

Wells used solely for watering livestock in the field must be tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates, but treatment will not be required if the parameters are outside the standards listed in § 353-13B(2).

§ 353-16 Geothermal wells.

Open-loop geothermal systems.

The geothermal delivery and return wells that depend on groundwater supplies for heating and cooling must meet all Department isolation distance requirements listed in § 353-6A(1).

The geothermal delivery well must be tested for all specified water quality standards listed in § 353-13B(2).

If the geothermal delivery well will also be used as a drinking water supply, all Department water quality requirements listed in § 353-13B(2) must be met.

Closed-loop geothermal bore holes.

Location.

The following minimum isolation distances to existing or potential sources of pollution shall be maintained.

Source of Pollution
Minimum isolation distances from the proposed closed-loop bore hole to the facilities listed below:

Water Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Delineated wetlands, floodplains, lakes, ponds or other surface waters	10
Rainwater pits	10
Storm drains, retention basins, stormwater stabilization ponds	10

Sewage Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Surface sewage absorption areas, elevated sand mounds, cesspools, sewage seepage pits	50
Spray irrigation site perimeter, sewage sludge and septage disposal sites	50
Septic tanks, aerobic tanks, sewage pump tanks, holding tanks	25
Sewer drains, public sewer laterals	5

Chemical Related	Minimum Distance (feet)
Preparation area or storage area of hazardous spray materials, fertilizers or chemicals, salt piles (if bore hole is cased and grouted inside and out)	300 (150)
Surface or subsurface containers or tanks of greater than 1,000 gallons used for storage of materials which cannot be properly renovated by passage through soil; this includes but is not limited to gasoline and all other petroleum products (if bore hole is cased and grouted inside and out)	300 (150)
Surface or subsurface containers or tanks of 1,000 gallons or less used for storage of materials which cannot be properly renovated by passage through soil; this includes but is not limited to gasoline and all other petroleum products; for example, the type of tanks frequently used in homes using oil for heating purposes	30

Miscellaneous	Minimum Distance (feet)
Dedicated road right-of-way	10
Property lines, rights-of-way, easements	5
Any other source of pollution	As approved

Any proposed deviation from the isolation distances prescribed in Subsection B(1)(a) above must be approved in writing by the Director, with reasons stated for such deviation.

Construction.

Closed-loop geothermal bore holes shall be located, drilled and finished in a manner that will protect the bore hole structure from damage from surface activities or other natural occurrences so that the quality of the groundwater cannot be affected.

The well contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the bore hole is drilled in the permitted location. Deviation from the permitted location must receive prior written approval from this Department. The well contractor shall be responsible for drilling the bore hole and the final backfilling after the pipe loop has been installed.

Casings are not required. Casings may be necessary to hold the bore hole open during the drilling process. Casing may be left in the bore hole at the discretion of the well contractor. When a casing is used, grouting the annular space is required.

The pipe loop is to be installed by a contractor who is certified in the proper method of heat fusion specified by the pipe manufacturer. The well contractor shall be responsible for insuring that the pipe loop is installed in accordance with the specifications of the ground source heat pump system manufacturer, the pipe manufacturer and that the bore hole is properly backfilled.

Backfilling shall be according to the specification of the ground-source heat pump equipment manufacturer. When sand is the specified backfill material, the bore hole shall be constructed in the same manner as a water supply well. A casing is required to be used, and the annular space is required to be grouted.

If the closed-loop bore hole penetrates bedrock, it must be grouted from a depth of 15 feet into the bedrock to the top of the bore hole.

(g)

The recommended backfilling material for these bore holes shall be bentonite. The bentonite shall conform to the grouting standard specified in § 353-6B(2)(d)[5].