As of July 1991, water wells in the City of Wichita are regulated under Ordinance 41-441. This ordinance requires that all new water wells be inspected by the Department of Environmental Services, and that any water well existing on a property be inspected when a property is sold, or when the well is reconstructed or plugged (abandoned). There is an inspection fee charge of $125.00 for new wells.
The following information will help you maintain your water well in an appropriate manner, meeting City of Wichita ordinance requirements. A diagram on how to Maintain Your Water Well is included.
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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:
If you have other ideas for camouflage, check with Environmental Services before you do anything to be sure it will meet City ordinance.
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If you have a cased well, be sure that the sanitary well seal on the top remains tight. This should be checked routinely.
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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).
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Use caution when mowing or trimming around the well to prevent cracking, chipping, or breaking the casing.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Water wells in Sedgwick County are regulated under Kansas Administrative Regulations (KAR) 28-30-1 through 28-30-10. This KAR, referred to as Article 30, requires all new water wells meet current construction standards. In addition, many lending institutions require any water well existing on a property be inspected when a property is sold or refinanced.
The information listed above under the caption City of Wichita will help you to maintain your water well in an appropriate manner, meeting State Article 30 requirements.
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