Safe Drinking water... we take it for granted, but everyone in the state depends on it. Safe water is essential for health, business prosperity, and community growth. What type of well do you receive your water from?
Private wells are wells that are not part of a public water supply. Private wells have fewer than 15 connections and serve fewer than 25 people (see Public Wells below). They are usually wells that serve a single home or farmhouse.
Private wells are regulated by the Private Water Supply Program of DNR under ch. NR 812, The Well and Pump Code; and ch. NR 146, The Well Driller and Pump Installer Licensing Code. Some counties (Dane, Waukesha, Trempealeau, Chippewa and Eau Claire) also regulate private wells.
Wisconsin has had well and pump regulations since 1936 and has been recognized as a national leader in well construction and pump installation standards. The Well and Pump Code is based on the sound premise that if a well and water system is properly located, constructed, installed and maintained the well should provide safe water continuously without the need for treatment. If you have questions on the well code, please contact a licensed well driller or pump installer, or regional drinking water staff.
If you are installing or replacing a well, you must obtain a well notification first.
Take a look at our Public Well diagram [PDF] for more information about the types of wells that serve drinking water to municipalities and other communities.
Part of the responsibility of a public water system owner is ensuring that customers get safe water to use and drink. Public water system owners face many distinct challenges in managing a public water supply, among them, providing adequate supplies to all users, preventing contamination, and planning for a systemís future needs. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees construction and operation of public water systems to make sure everyone has safe water to drink and use. However, as legal custodian of the water system, owners have primary responsibility to monitor drinking water quality. More...