The following information will help you maintain your water well in an appropriate manner, meeting City of Wichita ordinance requirements. See the diagram on how to Maintain Your Water Well .

• The well "head", or top of the well, must be a minimum of 12 inches above ground. Don't cut the casing off closer to the ground, and don't bring landscaping soil up around the casing to hide the well.

If you don't like the way the well looks in your yard, find a creative way of camouflaging, such as:

• Plant iris or other tall flowers in a ring around it.

• Place a decorative "wishing well" around it.

If you have other ideas for camouflage, check with Environmental Services before you do anything to be sure it will meet City ordinance.

• If you have a cased well, be sure that the sanitary well seal on the top remains tight. This should be checked routinely.

• Do not allow termite treatment anywhere within 25 feet of the well (if the method of treatment is a subsurface pressurized injection of a termiticide chemical).

• Use caution when mowing or trimming around the well to prevent cracking, chipping, or breaking the casing.

• Any "pit", such as a lawn sprinkler valve box or a pump pit must be located a minimum of 2 feet away from the well.

• Keep records on your well, including the company who installed it, the date of installation, and the Water Well Record (FORM WWC-5) if you have one.

• Have your well tested for bacteria by the Environmental Services Department at least once a year if it is used for drinking purposes. Call the number listed below to request this service. There is a $25.00 fee for each sample.

If you have questions or concerns, call the Department of Environmental Services at 268-8351 and ask for Water Quality.

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