037-3 Wyo. Code R. § 3-3

Current through April 27, 2019

Section 3-3 - Water Well Equipping

(a) All new and old wells (including hand-dug) shall be capped or sealed so that they do not present a hazard and to prevent the unintended entry of contaminant matter, surface water, animals, or foreign objects, by utilizing either a welded plate or a sanitary well cap. All vents installed in the well casing shall open downward and be screened to prevent the entrance of foreign material. Wells shall be equipped with a minimum V2-inch diameter access port for water level and drawdown measurement (unless a flowing well).

(b) Pitless Adapters.

• (i) Pitless adapters must be designed and constructed to be water tight and to prevent contamination of the ground water resource and any potable water. Pitless adapters must be compatible with the casing material. The driller or pump installer shall ensure that the pump and column weight do not exceed the casing strength.

• (ii) Where a pitless adapter is to be installed, the grout seal must extend from the pitless unit to at least 20-feet below the ground surface (or to useable water below ground surface). The area around the pitless unit and surface string may be filled with bentonite or clean earth to grade level.

• (iii) The components of a pitless adapter must allow sufficient clearance for the insertion and removal of the down-hole pumping assembly.

(c) Pumps and Pumping Equipment.

• (i) Special care must be exercised when replacing a pump because bacteria can easily contaminate what is pulled from the well (pump, drop pipe, electric wire) and it is difficult to disinfect portions of the electric wire and drop pipe that are above water level. When pulling a pump, the electric wire should not be allowed to touch the ground. This may be accomplished by laying plastic on the ground, utilizing a mechanical system that winds up the electric wire as it is withdrawn from the well, or other appropriate means. The drop pipe should be placed on pipe racks or other precautions should be taken to keep it from contacting the ground. If contamination does occur, special care must be taken to disinfect the contaminated areas.

• (ii) A flow meter with instantaneous flow rate and totalizing capability shall be installed on discharge lines of all water wells or well systems whenever the State Engineer permit conditions require a flow meter and subsequent reporting of volumetric use. The flow meter shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

• (iii) All pumping systems shall be designed not to exceed the permitted pumping rate as established by the State Engineer permit, under normal operating conditions. All electrical and plumbing installations and connections shall be performed and maintained in accordance with the existing electrical and plumbing codes, and shall meet the equipment-manufacturer's specifications.

• (iv) The pump and downhole assembly shall be at least one nominal size smaller in diameter than the production casing.

• (v) Pumps shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and shall provide for proper cooling.

(d) Flowing wells are required, by W.S. § 41-3-909(a)(vii), "...to be so capped or equipped [valved] that the flow of water can be stopped when the wells are not in use.

In addition, the flow shall be controlled in such a manner as not to exceed the flow rate as established by the State Engineer permit. Additional precautions may be necessary to prevent freezing of the wellhead or piping.

(e) Unless specifically designed as an injection well, directional flow controls shall be installed and maintained to prevent water from being forced or siphoned back into the well.

(f) For irrigation wells with in-line chemical injection systems or for other wells that are cross-connected with potential contaminant sources or water source(s) of lesser quality, a backflow prevention device (reduced pressure assembly, single/double check valve, etc., with vacuum relief) shall be installed to protect the wellhead from backpressure or back siphonage.

(g) For multiple wells which are connected by a common conveyance system, controls shall be maintained to ensure that one pump does not overpower another pump and allow water to be injected into one well bore.

(h) All electrical installations shall be performed and maintained in accordance with existing electrical codes. A properly licensed electrician must perform all electric wiring which impacts the operation of the pump or pumping system. This includes wiring from the pump to the control boxes to the main power supply such as the breaker box in a house. Licensed Water Well Pump Installation Contractors are advised that additional licensing requirements may be required by the Wyoming State Fire Marshal's Office. The electric wire should be adequately attached to the drop pipe for support and be installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

(i) All plumbing or water supply distribution from the well to the point of entry hookup shall be installed and maintained in accordance with existing plumbing codes.

037-3 Wyo. Code R. § 3-3