ARTICLE 16. PRIVATE OR SEMI_PUBLIC WELL WATER SUPPLY REGULATIONS
PART 1
(effective 5/2/88) (revised 3/24/97 and 3/13/06)
Section 1: Purpose
Whereas, G.L.c.4O, Sec.54 provides that no building permit shall be
issued for the construction of a building which would necessitate the use of water therein, unless a supply of water is available there either from a water system operated by a city, town or district, or from a well located on the land where the building is to be constructed, or from a water corporation or company, as defined in G.L.c.165, Sec. l. Whereas, the town of Sharon Board of Health in view of the fact that public water supply is not available in some sections of town, or that individual property owners may wish to secure their own private source of drinking water, are of the opinion that, in the interest of and for the protection of public health, the following rules and regulations should be adopted.
In addition, the general public policy for conserving water, as well as the fact that Sharon is at the top of the aquifer and relies on its wells for drinking water, has driven the Board’s policy to require all owners of new wells to comply with the town-imposed watering restrictions.
Section 2: Authority
G.L.c.111, Sec.3l of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and in accordance with the authority of
Regulation 2.l of Article I of the State Sanitary Code. These regulations supercede all previous regulations adopted pursuant to water wells by the Sharon Board of Health.
Section 3: Definitions
1. Well _ Includes any pit, pipe excavation, spring, casing, drill hole or other source of water to be used for any purpose of supplying potable water in the Town of Sharon and shall include driven or tubular wells, drilled wells (artesian or otherwise) and springs, gravel packed, gravel walled in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Manual of Individual Water Supply Systems. New dug wells are not permitted in the Town of Sharon. (A dug well is simply an excavated hole lined with rocks, bricks, or concrete
pipe to prevent collapse. Because they are shallow and relatively large in diameter, these wells, especially those constructed with wooden lids and fieldstone lining, are very susceptible to surface pollution, and are not recommended.)In addition, wells used only for agricultural purposes are included by this definition.
2. Water Systems _ Includes pipes, valves, fittings, tanks, pumps, motors, switches, controls and appurtenances installed or used for the purpose of storage, distribution, filtration, treatment or purification of water for any use, whether or not inside a building.
3. Private Water Supply _ Any water system serving or intended to serve water for human consumption or for domestic uses or purposes on one lot. The system shall include all of the sources, treatment works, and distribution lines to the point where distribution takes place within the building.
4. Semi_public Water Supply _ Any water system serving or intended to serve water for human consumption or for domestic uses or purposes, including a multiple dwelling, or to restaurants, dairies, schools, institutions, motels, mobile home parks, bottling plants, campgrounds, recreational camps for children, state forests, parks, beaches.
5. Abandoned Water Well _ A well that has not been used for a period of one year or more, unless the owner declares his intention to use the well again for supplying water, within one year of the time use ceased.
6. Agent _ Any person designated by the Sharon Board of Health.
7. Aquifer _ A water bearing geologic formation (consolidated or unconsolidated) that transmits water in sufficient quantities to supply a well.
8. Commission _ The Water Resources Commission established under Chapter 62O of the Acts of 1956.
9. Casing _ An impervious durable pipe placed in a hole to prevent the walls from caving, and to seal off surface drainage or undesirable water, gas or other fluids and prevent their entering the well. Specific types include:
(a) "Temporary Casing" _ A temporary casing placed in soft, sandy or caving surface formation to prevent the hole from caving during drilling.
(b) "Protective Casing" – The principal well casing.
10. Drawdown _ The measured distance between the static water level and the pumping level.
11. Potable Water _ Water that is safe for human consumption.
12. Regulating Authority _ The Sharon Board of Health or its designee who shall administer Regulations pertaining to water well construction.
13. Static Water Level _ The distance measured from established ground surface to the water surface in a well not pumped, influenced by pumping nearby, or flowing under artesian pressure.
14. Heat Pump Wells _ Consists of a source well and a discharge well which could be one and the same, provided it is a closed loop system where nothing is added to or taken from the water except heat and no air is in contact with the return water. A heat pump delivers water by way of the source well from an aquifer through a heat exchanger, and returns it to the aquifer via the discharge well. The system utilized the thermal energy stored in ground water for space heating or cooling.
15. Domestic Well _ A well used for domestic water supply with one (l) service and/or serving less than twenty_five (25) people.
16. Well Driller _ Any person, association, partnership, company,
corporation or trust that constructs a water well, licensed by Water Resource Commission, (Section 6).
Section 4: General Requirements
1. No building permit for the facilities which the well is to serve will be issued until the well is installed, completed, and has been demonstrated to supply water of the quality and quantity specified herein.
2. The well contractor shall observe sanitary measures and precautions in the performance of his work in order to prevent pollution or contamination of the well.
3. Well drillers must be registered with the Massachusetts Water
Resources Commission.
4. The owners of a semi_public water supply shall possess and display an unrevoked permit from the Board of Health which signifies the status of sanitary protection, maintenance, operation and improvements recommended.
5. Pump houses or pump rooms shall be kept in sanitary condition at all times. Also, the size of the room should be no larger than necessary to house the pumping and the electrical equipment involved in the water system. Lawnmowers, snowblowers, or other gas driven engines shall not be stored in the pump room. Insecticides, herbicides and/or fertilizers and the like shall not be stored in the pump room.
6. Pump house, pump or pipe pits and wells shall be designated and constructed so as to prevent flooding and otherwise to prevent the entrance of pollution or contaminants.
7. Pump houses, pump rooms and pitless adapters shall be installed in accordance with the "Individual Water System" manual.
8. No person shall install or enter into a contract for installing or making additions, modification, or alterations to any "semi_public" water supply before submitting complete plans, specifications and descriptions to the Board of Health, and receiving from them written approval. Private and semi_public water supply systems shall be approved by the Board of Health before building permit is issued.
9. Any abandoned well shall be filled and sealed with clean sand or other inert material in such a manner as to prevent it from acting as a channel for pollution to the groundwater. Prior to destruction of any well, a well destruction permit must be obtained from the Board of Health. The Board of Health will require a site plan showing the well location prior to issuance of the well destruction permit. Within 3O days after completion of the destruction
of any private well, the well owner or well driller, acting as agent for the well owner, shall submit
to the Board of Health a report, containing the following:
a. the name of the owner of the well;
b. the geographic location of the well;
c. any preliminary cleaning or redrilling;
d. types, depths, and materials of seals used.
10. Every private potable well serving property which is rented or leased must have its water tested for total coliform bacteria, pH, sodium, and nitrate at a minimum of once every five years. Where water quality problems are known to exist, the Board of Health may require more frequent testing. Results of water quality tests shall be made available to all tenants of the property. In cases where the well water does not meet the water quality standards for the four water quality parameters mentioned above as outlined in Part II, Section 10, the Board of Health may require the property owner to provide an alternative approved source of drinking water for the tenant.
11. Prior to selling, conveying, or transferring title to real
property in the Town of Sharon, the owner thereof shall have
tested the water of every private potable well serving that property. A water sample from each well shall be submitted to a state certified laboratory for testing of total coliform bacteria, pH, sodium, and nitrate. Results of the water test shall be submitted to the Board of Health prior to property transfer on a form provided by the Board of Health on which the owner will certify that the sample(s) was taken from the well(s) serving the property being transferred. In addition, the owner shall give copies of ALL water test results of which he has knowledge (regardless of age of results) for
the private potable well in question to any buyer and/or broker identified with the transfer. In the event that there is no buyer at the time the water is tested, a copy of all water test results must be given by the owner to the buyer before the property is put under agreement. This regulation shall not apply to the conveyance or devise of a property to a surviving spouse or to any of the heirs or devises of the property owner, and further, shall not apply to a sale under power of sale in a bonafide mortgage affecting the property. Furthermore, in the case when a particular piece of real estate is transferred to different owners several times during a five (5) year period, one sampling and testing of water quality is considered valid for five (5) years.
12. Additional conditions for irrigation wells.
a. All wells used only for agricultural purposes are required to have a sealed system.
b. Irrigation wells are for the sole purpose of irrigation and shall not be deemed or used as a potable water supply for human consumption.
c. Irrigation wells shall not be connected to any dwelling unless they are approved as a Private Drinking Water Well by the Board of Health.
d. Completed wells will be inspected by the Water Department to certify that there is no possibility of a cross-connection with a drinking water supply line due to the location of the line and/or ancillary piping
from the non-potable well.
e. Each outlet from the irrigation well should be valved with a removable handle. The handle should be removed except when the valve is in use and the outlet should be appropriately signed to the effect that any water from that outlet is not safe to drink.
f. All irrigation wells shall be posted with a placard stating “Irrigation Well(s) Not a Drinking Water Supply”.
g. If the leaching fields are moved closer to the well location when the current septic system is replaced or repaired, the proponent must reapply for a well permit.
h. The irrigation well is strictly for the use of the property located at the address at which the well is installed.
The Board of Health further recommends that the irrigation well be tested on an annual basis for bacterial quality (fecal coliform), and that the results of the testing be forwarded to the Board of Health. It is also recommended that upon completion of the well, and prior to initial use, the well also be tested for lead (total dissolved) and that results be forwarded to the Board of Health.
Section 5. Application to Type of Well
These standards shall apply to all types of wells described in Section 3. Before a change in existing well use is made, the new use shall comply with requirements specified herein.
Section 6. Registration of Well Drillers
No person shall engage in the business of constructing wells within the Town of Sharon unless he is registered with the Water Resources Commission, Division of Water Resources, as required by Water Well Drillers Registration Act. (3l3CMR,MGL)Ch.2l, S.11_16)
Section 7. Installer's (Driller's) Report
Within thirty (30) days after completion of any water well (productive or non_productive), there shall be a report submitted to the Sharon Board of Health containing the name of the owner of the well, the geographic location of the well (this can be plotted on the plot plan using two foot contour lines as required by the Septic System Designer), well depth, depth to bedrock or refusal, casing type, casing size and casing length, well screen type and screen length, and well screen depth set,static water level, method used to test well yield, length of time(in hours) well was pumped, draw down, well yield, and drilling logs describing the material penetrated. Report forms may be issued by the Board of Health upon request.
Section 8. Special Standards and Well Construction Permits
1. Special Standard _ in locations where geologic or hydrologic
conditions require more restrictive or additional standards than those described herein, such special standards may be required by the Board of Health and/or the Department of Environmental Quality Engineers.
2. Well Construction Permits
a. A well permit shall be obtained from the Board of Health prior to the construction of any water well or well system (this includes major rework or repair of existing water wells). No permit shall be issued for the construction of a subsurface sewage disposal system to serve a building which necessitates the use of potable water from a well located on the land where the building is or is to be constructed, until a well has been established and the Board of Health has determined that a safe and adequate supply of water is available
therefrom.
b. An application for a water well permit must be submitted to the Board of Health by the property owner or his agent or well contractor on forms furnished by the Board. It is the responsibility of the well installer to see that a permit has been obtained prior to well construction.
c. The location, design and operation of the well must be
approved by the Board of Health or its agent prior to construction.
Section 9. Conforming
The well must conform to existing Massachusetts General Laws at the time of application, i.e., Title 5, Wetlands Protection Act.
Section 10. Fee
Permit Fee _ $5O.OO
WELL CONSTRUCTION
PART II
Section 1. Restriction
There shall be one well for each lot as stated in (M.G.L.4O:54). Any lot of less than 4O,OOO square feet in area shall be deemed too small for both water supply and sewage disposal on the same lot.
Section 2. Well Location with Respect to Contaminants and Pollutants
In establishing the location to a water well, the installer shall give consideration to sources of contamination which exist on or adjacent to the site. All water supply wells shall be located an adequate horizontal distance from potential sources of contamination and pollution. Such sources of contamination and pollution may include, but are not limited to: a high density development (more than one(1) household septic tank per one(1) acre lot);
sanitary landfills; auto junkyards; sewage treatment facilities with on_site disposal of primary or secondary effluent; car washes; vehicular service operations; road salt stockpiles; dry cleaning establishments; cabinet making; electronic circuit assembly; metalplating; finishing and polishing; commercial paint, wood preserving and furniture stripping; sites where pesticides and herbicides are regularly applied, including golf courses and cranberry bogs; animal lot; photographic processing; printing; chemical and bacteriological laboratories; and any principal use involving the sale, storage, or transportation of fuel or oil.
Variable geologic and hydrologic conditions make it impossible to
establish regulations to suit all conditions. The following minimum lateral distances shall apply to common sources of contamination listed:
SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION MINIMUM LATERAL DISTANCES
Sub_surface Disposal Facilities 125 feet
Where soil percolation is greater than or
equal to 6 minutes an inch.
Sub_surface Disposal Fields 125 feet
Where soil percolation is less than 6 minutes per inch.
Cesspools, Seepage Pits 150 feet
Public Ways 100 feet
Leaching Fields 125 feet
Septic Tank, Distribution Box, Dosing Tank 75 feet
Underground Petroleum Storage Tank 1000 feet
Sewers (Water tight joints) 75 feet
Footing Drains 50 feet
Surface Water 50 feet
Property Line 50 feet
Where, in the opinion of the Board of Health, adverse conditions exist, distances may be increased. In certain cases, special means of protection may be provided. Where possible, the well shall be up the groundwater gradient (upstream) from sources of contamination. The top of a well shall be above ground that is higher than any surface sources of contamination and above any known conditions of flooding by drainage of runoff from the surrounding land, unless located in a flood_proof well_house.
Wells must be constructed as to maintain existing natural protection against pollution of the groundwater and to exclude all known sources of pollution from entering the well.
Section 3. Casing
1. Casing Material _ well casing shall be sufficiently strong to
perform the functions for which it is designed, i.e., to maintain the hole by preventing wall collapse, to provide a conduit for water conveyance, and to maintain the quality of water pumped. Permanent wells shall be cased with not less than schedule 40 steel, or not less than schedule 40 PVC plastic, concrete or other durable pipe material. The thickness of casing shall be selected in accordance with good design practice as applied to conditions encountered in the area
where the well is located.
2. A well casing or extension thereof shall extend vertically for at least 18 inches above established ground surface, or above the floor of an approved pump pit or the elevation of 100 year flood, whichever is greater. The Board of Health or its agent may approve in writing, a casing termination 2 inches, or greater, above the established ground surface in paved areas if the area is not subject to flooding or contamination and the connections openings are threaded or welded watertight.
3. All casing shall be placed with sufficient care to avoid damage to casing sections and joints. All casing joints above perforations or screens shall be watertight.
4. Water well pipe salvaged from water test holes or non_productive holes may be used as new pipe if in good condition. Pipe intended for water well use is subject to random examination by the regulating agency which shall reject defective pipe. Pipe that is considered defective includes but is not limited to:
a. Pipe with cracks.
b. Pipe with welded patches.
5. Pipes and Equipment
a. All service pipes and connections shall be non_toxic materials approved by the New England Water Works Association.
b. The installation of pipes shall be such that they are protected from crushing, freezing and attack by rodents.
c. Dissimilar metals should be discouraged in the water system. The use of non_conductive plastic inserts between pipes and fittings or the installation of sacrificial anodes is helpful in minimizing electrical corrosion problems.
d. Electrical service grounds shall not be attached to the water piping. All electrical service and controls of well must be permitted, inspected and approved according to town and state regulations.
e. All plumbing is to comply with Massachusetts state plumbing code.
Section 4: Protective Seal at Land Surface
The annular space between the protective well casing and the wall of the drilled hole or the surface casing shall be effectively sealed to protect against contamination or pollution by surface and/or shallow, subsurface waters. This shall be accomplished in accordance with guidelines set forth below:
a. Depth of Seal _ Following is the minimum depth of seal below ground surface for various uses of wells:
TYPE DEPTH OF SURFACE SEAL
Local Water Supply Wells 20 feet
Domestic Wells 6 feet
Exceptions are shallow wells where the water is at a depth less than 20 feet. In this instance, the depth of seal may be reduced, and special precautions shall be taken in locating the well with respect to possible sources of contamination.
The annular space shall be sealed to a minimum depth of 20 feet from the surface of the ground when the well is close to individual domestic wells or to sources of contamination or pollution described under Well Construction, Section 2. Local conditions, such as the existence of shallow, subsurface waters of undesirable quality may warrant consideration of sealing the annular space around agricultural wells.
b. Sealing Conditions _ Following are requirements for sealing the protective casing of a well:
(1) Wells that Penetrate Unconsolidated Material.
(a) Driven wells or well construction by cable tool method. The temporary surface protective casings may function as the seal provided the length of casing corresponds to the depth of seal specified in Part a of this section.
(b) Rotary, auger or jetted well construction. The annular space between the hole, or surface or temporary casing and the protective casing, shall be filled with sealing material to the depth specified in Part a of this section.
(2) Wells that Penetrate Impervious Formations.
If a consolidated formation or an impervious unconsolidated formation is encountered within 5 feet of the specified depth of seal described in Part a of this section, the seal should extend at least 5 feet into the impervious formation.
(3) Gravel Packed Wells.
The gravel pack of gravel pack wells shall terminate at the base of the protective seal.
(4) Wells Penetrating Consolidated Rock.
A hole of sufficient diameter to accommodate protective casing must be constructed and the annular space between the rock and casing sealed to depth specified in this section.
(a) Sealing Material: The sealing material shall consist of neat cement, cement grout, puddled clay, or concrete. ORGANIC POLYMER MUDS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED. The neat cement mixture shall be composed of one bag of Portland Cement (94 pounds) to 5 to 7 gallons of clean water.
Quick setting cement, retardants to setting, and other additives,
including hydrated lime to make the mix more fluid (up to 10 percent of the volume of the cement), and Bentonite (up to 5 percent) to make the mix more fluid and to reduce shrinkage may be used. Concrete used shall be "class B" (6 sacks to the cubic yard) or "Class B" (5 sacks to the cubic yard).
*Clay in the form of a mud_laden fluid is similar to and has the
advantage of neat cement and cement grout. There is a disadvantage in that clay may separate out of the fluid. A bentonite_gelatenous mud is recommended. Concrete is useful in sealing large diameter wells, particularly where the width of annular ring is several inches or more.
However, unless care is exercised during placement, the coarse
aggregate may become separated from the cement
(b) Thickness of Seal: The thickness of the seal shall be at least one (1) inch, and not less than three (3) times the size of the largest coarse aggregate used in the sealing material.
(c) Placement of Seal: The sealing material shall be installed in one continuous operation from the bottom of the interval to be sealed to the top.
(d) Sealing Casing into Bedrock: For all wells which terminate in bedrock, a permanent casing shall extend from 6 inches above the ground or floor of a pit into bedrock a minimum of 10 feet below the bedrock surface.
Section 5: Well Screens
A well installed in an unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifer commonly has a screen. Screen openings shall be properly sized, based on sieve analysis of material at the screen depth. The well shall be properly developed to produce sand free water at the pumping rate of the permanent pump.
Section 6: Sealing Off Strata
Where a well penetrates aquifers separated by confining layers
and any of the aquifers contain water that would be a contaminant, contaminated strata shall be sealed to prevent entrance of the water into the well or its migration to other aquifer(s).
a. The contaminated stratum shall be sealed by placing impermeable material in the annular space between the protective casing and the contaminated stratum. The seal shall extend into the upper and lower confining formations for a sufficient vertical distance to prevent the vertical movement of water from the producing formation. Sufficient sealing material shall be installed to fill the annular space between the casing and the wall in the drilled hole
along the sealed interval and to fill the voids which might absorb sealing material. Sealing material shall be placed from the bottom to the top of the sealed interval.
b. Sealing material shall consist of neat cement, cement grout or other suitable impermeable material.__see Section 4, Part(4)a.
Section 7: Disinfection and Other Sanitary Requirements
All local water supply, domestic and industrial wells shall be
disinfected following construction, rehabilitation and well pump repair before the well is placed in service. The well shall be pumped to waste until the water is as clear as possible. Thereafter, the well and pumping equipment shall be disinfected with a solution containing at least 50 ppm of chlorine. The well shall remain in contact with chlorine solution a minimum of 24 hours before the well is pumped to waste and chlorine flushed from the distribution system. All water
used in well drilling shall be disinfected.
Section 8: Surface Construction Features
1. Openings _ Openings into the top of the wall which are not to
provide access shall be sealed. All access openings into the well shall be protected against entrance of surface water.
a. Where the pump is installed on top of the well, a water_tight seal shall be placed between the pump head and the pump base (slab).
b. Where the pump is offset from the well or well is equipped with a submersible pump, the opening between the protective casing and any distribution pipes or support electrical cables which
enter the well shall have a watertight seal.
c. All holes into the pump that are open to the well shall be
sealed.
d. All wells equipped with a pump shall have a water_tight cap at all times.
e. All below_ground discharge pipes shall have a water_tight seal or gasket between the discharge pipe and well casing.
f. Any concrete base or slab (sometimes called a pump block or pump pedestal) constructed around the top of a casing shall be water_tight and free from cracks for at least 6 inches above the pump chamber floor.
2. Pump Blowoff _ Any pump discharge blowoff or drain line shall be located so as to not be affected by flooding, back siphonage, or back pressure, and shall not be connected to a sewer.
Section 9: Well Development
All well development and rehabilitation shall be done with care and by methods that will not cause damage to the well, degrade ground water purity, or alter subsurface conditions to allow vertical movement of contaminated water between aquifers. The
Following methods used in developing, or conditioning a well, when done with care, are acceptable:
(a) overpumping; (b) surging by use of a plunger or compressed air; (c)backwashing or jetting with water; (d) introduction of chemicals designed for this purpose; and (e) a combination of the above. Methods which produce an explosion are prohibited. Where chemicals have been used, the well shall be pumped until all trace of these agents has been removed.
Section 10: Water Quality Sampling
The well driller (installer) shall collect samples in the presence of a representative of the Board of Health.
Water quality sampling shall be conducted in accordance with the
following requirements:
a. Local, Domestic, and Potable Water Supply Wells
The water from local, domestic, industrial, and commercial potable water supply wells shall be sampled immediately following development and disinfection. Chemical and bacteriological analysis shall be made, and approval of the Board of Health must be obtained before the well is used. (1) Sample Tap _ a representative sample for laboratory analysis shall be collected at pump discharge or from a tap in the pump discharge
line, iced, picked up within 24 hours and delivered to a state certified water quality testing laboratory.
b. Laboratory Analysis.
Required water analysis shall be performed by a laboratory certified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering. A copy of the laboratory analysis results shall be forwarded to the local Board of Health and the well owner.
c. Bacterial Quality.
Water samples for bacteriological analysis (presence of coliform
organism) shall be collected from domestic water supplies after
development and after all traces of disinfectant chemicals have been removed from the well. The results of the bacteriological analysis shall meet the standards specified in 310 CMR 22.00
(Mass. Drinking Water Regulations).
Coliform count not to exceed 1/100 ml @ 35 degrees Centigrade.
Standard plate count not to exceed 100/100 ml @ 35 degrees
Centigrade.
d. Chemical and Mineral Quality.
All ground water produced where the water is to be used for consumption or for food processing shall be analyzed for its chemical and mineral content. The results of the chemical and
mineral analysis shall meet the following standards:
Chemical and Mineral Quality
Arsenic _ not to exceed O.O5 PPM
Copper _ not to exceed 1.O PPM
Color _ not to exceed 15.0 units
Turbidity _ not to exceed l turbidity unit
Odor _ not to exceed 3 threshold
**Sodium _ not to exceed 20 MG/L
pH _ between 6.5 _ 8.5
Chloride _ not to exceed 25O MG/L
Total Iron _ not to exceed 0.3 MG/L
Total Hardness _ not to exceed 50 MG/L
Sulfate _ not to exceed 250 MG/L
Manganese _ not to exceed 0.005 MG/L
Nitrogen_Nitrite_not to exceed 1 MG/L
Nitrogen_Nitrate_not to exceed 10 MG/L
Organics _EPA method 524 _ not to exceed
standards
** This standard is included to inform the prospective
homeowners _ Failure does NOT constitute disapproval of the well.
Failure to meet these standards shall require treatment where
applicable. Failure to meet these standards üafteré treatment will constitute disapproval of the well.
The Board of Health strongly recommends that ALL wells (new and
existing) be tested at a minimum of every two years for the presence of coliform bacteria, nitrates and sodium and at more frequent intervals when water quality problems are suspect or known to exist.
The Board of Health may require additional tests as local conditions warrant if, in its opinion, they are necessary to protect the public health and welfare.
(A description of wells considered at high risk for contamination and the recommended frequency of testing is contained in Part IV of these regulations.)
Note: Agricultural wells are exempt from the requirements of this section.
Section 11: Yield Test
1. All wells shall be tested to determine yield, and water level
recovery. All test records and analysis of safe yield shall be
submitted to the Board of Health. Test pumping shall be conducted at a rate at least equal to the pumping rate expected during normal use (usually 3_5 gallons per minute at 40 psi for domestic wells). The pump test shall be conducted for a period of four hours and repeated after a shut down of twenty_four (24) hours.
2. The pumping test shall be performed by a licensed pump or well
installer.
3. Minimum Yield Requirements:
Well Depth Minimum gallons/Min for 4 hours
0 to 150 feet 5_6
150 to 200 feet 4
200 to 300 feet 2_3
300 and over 1_2
The above applies to a single family residence. For multiple family dwellings, multiply above by the number of dwelling units to be served by the single well.
4. The well, after pump testing, shall recover to within eighty_five (85%) percent of the original static water level within a twenty_four(24) hour period.
5. Pressure tanks for individual home installations shall have a
minimum capacity of forty_two (42) gallons.
6. Auxiliary power must be available to maintain a water supply for multiple dwellings.
Section 12: Alignment
A well shall be plumb to allow proper installation and pump operation.
Section 13: Special Provisions for Large Diameter (10 inch or larger diameter) Shallow Wells
1. Bored Wells _ All bored wells shall be cased with concrete pipe or steel casing whose joints are water_tight from 6 inches above surface to the depth specified in Section 4, Part a. The space between the wall of the hole and the casing shall be filled with concrete to the depth specified in Section 4, Part a. The minimum thickness of the
surrounding concrete seal shall be three (3) inches.
2. Casing Material _ Either steel or concrete may be used for casing bored wells.
a. Steel used in the manufacture of casing for bored wells should
conform to the specifications for casing material described in
Section 2. (schedule 40 steel or schedule 40 PVC plastic).
b. Concrete casing may consist of either poured_in_place or precast concrete pipe. Poured_in_place concrete shall be sufficiently strong to withstand the earth and water pressure imposed on it. It shall be properly reinforced with steel to furnish tensil strength and to resist cracking and it shall be free from honeycombing or other defects likely to impair the ability of the concrete structure to remain watertight. Aggregate small enough to insure proper placement without
"bridging" shall be used. Only "air entraining" cement shall be used in water well construction.
Precast concrete pipe is usually composed of concrete rings from one to six feet in diameter and approximately three to eight feet long. To serve satisfactorily as casing, these rings shall be free of any blemishes that would impair their strength or serviceability. In the portion of the well that is to be sealed (see paragraph B, C, of this section) the joints shall be made watertight using a cement based (not brick mortar) material.
3. Covers _ All bored wells shall be provided with a structurally sound cover to prevent injury to people or animals and to prevent the entrance of undesirable water or foreign matter.
Section 14: Temporary Cover
Whenever there is an interruption in work on the well such as overnight shutdown, inclement weather, waiting periods for the setting up of sealing materials or concrete, tests, installation of the pump, etc., the well opening shall be closed with a cover to insure the public safety and to prevent the introduction of undesirable material into the well. During interruptions of one week or more, a semi_permanent cover shall be installed. For a well cased with steel a steel cover, tack_welded to the top of the casing, is adequate.
Section 15: Re_Use of Water and Disposal Wells
Water used for cooling parts of engines, air compressors or other
equipment, or water used for air conditioning, shall not be returned to any part of a potable water system or potable aquifer unless the water was obtained from the same aquifer into which it is being discharged, and the discharge water is of equal or better mineralogical and bacteriological quality as the source.
Section 16: Repair or Deepening of Wells
All deepening or repair of wells shall meet all the requirements
included in these regulations and shall be done with a permit.
Section 17: Water Storage Reservoirs
Installation of a water storage reservoir, but not an approved water pressure tank, requires approval of and a permit from the Board of Health or its agent.
Section 18: Notice of Pollution
An owner or occupant using a polluted water supply or a supply that represents a health hazard shall be notified of the health hazard, in writing, by the Board of Health or its agent (G.L.c.111,Sec.122A), when such hazard is brought to the Board's attention.
Section 19: Other Water Sources and Cross Connections
Permission may be granted by the Board of Health or its agent to use springs, infiltration tile lines, or other sources as a water supply, or to install water treatment facilities. Plans and specifications for such facilities, together with operating procedures, shall be approved by the Board of Health. A physical connection is not permitted between a water supply meeting the requirements of these regulations and another water supply that does not meet such requirements without prior approval of the Board of
Health.
Section 20: Enforcement and Variance Procedures
1. Variance
Variances may be granted only as follows: The Board of Health may vary the application of any of these Regulations (except where expressly forbidden elsewhere in these regulations) with respect to any particular case when, in its opinion; (a) the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice; and (b) the applicant has proved that the same degree of environmental protection required under these regulations can be achieved without strict application of the particular provisions.
Every request for a variance shall be made in writing and shall state the specific variance and the reasons therefor. Any variance granted by the Board of Health shall be in writing. Any denial of a variance shall also be in writing and shall contain a brief statement of the reason for the denial. A copy of each variance shall contain a brief statement of the reason for the denial. A copy of each variance shall be conspicuously posted for thirty (30) days following its issuance; and shall be available to the public at all reasonable hours in the office of the Town Clerk or office of the
Board of Health while it is in effect.
2. Variance, Grant of Special Permission: Expiration,
Modification, Suspension of
Any variance or other modification authorized to be made by these
Regulations may be subject to such qualification, revocation,
suspension, or expiration as the Board of Health expresses in its grant. A variance or other modification authorized to be made by these Regulations may otherwise be revoked, modified or suspended in whole or in part, only after the holder thereof has been notified in writing and has been given an opportunity to be heard, in conformity with the requirements of Title 1 (310 CMR 11.00) for orders and hearings.
3. General Enforcement
The provisions of Title 1 of the Environmental Code (310 CMR 11.00) shall govern the enforcement of these Regulations as supplemented by the following regulations.
4. Orders: Service and Content
a. If an examination as provided for in Title 1 (310CMR 11.00) reveals failure to comply with the provisions of these Regulations, the Board of Health shall order the persons responsible to comply with the violated provision.
b. Every order authorized by these regulations shall be in writing. Orders issued under the provisions of 310 CMR 11.00 shall be served on all persons responsible for the violated regulations. All orders shall be served on the designated person.
(1) personally, by any person authorized to serve civil process, or
(2) by any person authorized to serve civil process by leaving a copy of the order at his last place of abode, or
(3) by sending him a copy of the order by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, if he is within the
Commonwealth, or
(4) if his last and usual place of abode is unknown or outside the Commonwealth, by posting a copy of the order in a conspicuous place on or about the premises and by advertising it for at least three (3) out of five (5) consecutive days in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the municipality wherein the building or premises affected is situated.
(5) Appeal _ Any person aggrieved by the final decision of the Board of Health may seek relief therefrom within thirty (30) days in any court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by the laws of this Commonwealth.
(6) Penalties _
(a) Any person who shall violate any provision of these
Regulations for which penalty is not otherwise provided in any of the General Laws or in any other provision of these Regulations or Title 1 of (310 CMR 11.00) shall upon conviction be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 dollars.
(b) Any person who shall fail to comply with any Order issued pursuant to the provisions of these Regulations shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 dollars. Each day's failure to comply with an Order shall constitute a separate violation.
Severability:
So far as the Board of Health may provide, each section of these Rules and Regulations shall be construed as separate and that if any section, item, sentence, clause or phrase shall be held invalid for any reason, the remainder of these rules and regulations shall continue in full force and effect.
Form WR1. FORMS REQUIRED
PART III
BOARD OF HEALTH ____ SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE SUPPLIED TO BOARD OF HEALTH BY THE WELL DRILLER FOR ITS REVIEW BEFORE ANY APPROVAL CAN BE GIVEN FOR USE OF THE WELL:
WELL AND PUMP TEST DATE: (must be signed by well contractor and also company performing pump test)
The well should be pumped for a period of four (4) hours at a fairly constant drawdown water level. Record the following:
LOCATION _______________________________________
DATE OF TEST___________
WELL DEPTH:________FEET WELL DIAMETER:________INCHES
DEPTH OF LEDGE BELOW SURFACE GRADE: __________________FEET
DEPTH OF CASING:__________FEET TYPE OF SEAL:__________________
BEFORE TEST:________________________FEET
AT END OF TEST(4 HOURS):____________FEET
AFTER 24 HOURS:_____________________FEET
PUMPING RATE: (RATE AT LEAST EQUAL TO PUMPING RATE EXPECTED DURING
NORMAL WELL USE.)
STARTED PUMPING AT ________AT RATE OF _______GPM
STOPPED PUMPING AT ________AT RATE OF _______GPM
DEPTH OF STATIC WATER LEVEL BELOW GRADE BEFORE PUMP TEST_________FEET
STATIC WATER LEVEL DEPTH AFTER 24 HOURS_____________FEET
CASING SEALED WITH _______________________________________
DURING PUMP TEST: DEPTH OF PUMP _____FEET SIZE OF PUMP _____HP
DEPTH OF PUMP TO BE INSTALLED FOR HOUSE _______________FEET
SIZE OF PUMP TO BE INSTALLED FOR HOUSE ________________HP
NAME OF WELL DRILLING COMPANY_____________________________________
(Must be registered with Commonwealth of Massachusetts)
Authorized Signature: __________________________________
NAME OF COMPANY PERFORMING PUMP TEST _____________________________
Authorized Signature: __________________________________
Form WR2. BOARD OF HEALTH ____ SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY BUILDER/OWNER BEFORE BUILDING PERMIT
IS ISSUED FOR A NEW WELL BEFORE THE WELL MAY BE USED IN THE CASE
OF MAJOR REWORK OR REPAIR OF EXISTING WELL.
THE FOLLOWING BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL OR MINERAL ANALYSES MUST BE
PERFORMED:
PARAMETER SAMPLE RESULT
Total Coliform Bacteria
Total Bacteria
Nitrite Nitrogen
Nitrate Nitrogen
Chloride
Sodium
Copper
EPA Method 524
Total Iron
Manganese
Color
Turbidity
Odor
Total Hardness
pH
Arsenic
Other parameters may be required on a case by case basis if deemed
necessary in the opinion of the Board of Health.
Water Quality Sampling Date: ____________________________
Water Quality Test Date: ________________________________
Name of Laboratory Performing Water Quality Test (must be a state
certified water quality testing program):
_________________________________________________________________
Name of Well Driller Collecting Sample ___________________________
Authorized Signature: ______________________________________
Name of Representative of Board of Health Present at Time of Sampling: ________________________________________________________
Authorized Signature:_______________________________________
Form WR3. BOARD OF HEALTH ____ SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY OWNER OF WELL ON PROPERTY WHICH IS
RENTED OR LEASED OR PRIOR TO SELLING, CONVEYING, OR TRANSFERRING
TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY IN THE TOWN OF SHARON, WHICH PROPERTY IS
SERVED BY A PRIVATE WELL.
THE FOLLOWING BACTERIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL (MINERAL) ANALYSES MUST BE
PERFORMED ONCE EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS:
PARAMETER STANDARDS SAMPLE RESULT
Total coliform bacteria not to exceed 1/100 ml
@ 35 degrees Centigrade
Nitrate nitrogen not to exceed 10 mg/L
Sodium not to exceed 20 mg/L
pH between 6.5 _ 8.5
Other parameters may be required on a case by case basis if
deemed necessary in the opinion of the Board of Health.
Water Quality Sampling Date:_______________________________
Water Quality Test Date:___________________________________
Name of Laboratory Performing Water Quality Test (must be a state
certified water quality testing program):
_____________________________________________________________
Address of property: St.#_____________Lot# ___________________
Name of Owner:_______________________________Tel.#________________
Address of owner:________________________________________________
Form WR4. BOARD OF HEALTH
SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS FEE: _________
Form WR4. ....APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A WELL....
I hereby petition the Board of Health of Sharon, Massachusetts for a permit to construct a well: --________________ __________________________ Drinking Water Agricultural Purposes only
Address of Property: St.#______________________________Lot #__________
Name of Owner: _______________________________Tel.#______________
Address of Owner:_______________________________________________
Name of Applicant: ______________________________Tel.#________________
Address of Applicant:_________________________________________________
Does property abut a right-of-way? _____________ ___________
Yes No
If yes, what is right-of-way? (e.g., railroad,Mass.highway, town road):
A plot plan shall be submitted with this application as required by the Sharon Board of Health in the "Minimum Sanitation Standard for Private or Semi_Public Water Supply". The undersigned acknowledges that he must, before commencing construction or use of the system which is the subject matter of this application, secure any and all other permits which may be required by the Laws of the Town of Sharon and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and agrees to abide by all rules and regulations of the Town of Sharon and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The undersigned also understands that under Regulation 2.2 NO OCCUPANCY OF THE FACILITIES WHICH THE WELL IS TO SERVE MAY BE PERFORMED UNTIL THE WELL IS INSTALLED, COMPLETED, AND INSPECTED, AND HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO SUPPLY WATER OF THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY SPECIFIED IN THE "MINIMUM SANITATION STANDARD FOR PRIVATE OR SEMI_PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY".
Date:________________Signature of Applicant______________________ *****************************************************************
BOARD OF HEALTH...SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A WELL
This is to certify that ___________________________is hereby granted permission to install a well on the premises at
________________________________________________________________ in accordance with the above application, and in strict conformance with the requirements of the rules and regulations of the Board of Health and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating thereto.
Approval Recommended By: _______________________Date:___________________
Permit Granted: _______________20__
BOARD OF HEALTH _______________________
Permit expires l2 (twelve) months from date of issue.
(Check One): Well to be used for: Drinking Water __________ or
Agricultural Purposes only_________
***********************************************************************
.....WELL DATA....
Water Analysis Received________Flow Data Received_______Pressure Tank
Approved_____________Approved_________________and Treatment Unit Inspected________
Form WR5. BOARD OF HEALTH
SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
....APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO DESTROY A WELL....
I hereby petition the Board of Health of Sharon, Massachusetts for a permit to destroy a well.
Address of Property: St.#_________________________Lot #______________
Name of Owner:____________________________________Tel.#______________
Address of Owner:____________________________________________________
Name of Applicant:________________________________Tel.#______________
Address of Applicant:________________________________________________
The Board of Health will require a site plan showing the well location
prior to issuance of a Well Destruction Permit.
The undersigned acknowledges that he must, before commencing destruction
of the system which is the subject matter of this application, secure
any and all other permits which may be required by the Laws of the Town
of Sharon and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and agrees to abide by
all rules and regulations of the Town of Sharon and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Date:____________Signature of Applicant_______________________________
**********************************************************************
BOARD OF HEALTH...SHARON, MASSACHUSETTS
... PERMIT TO DESTROY A WELL ...
This is to certify that ____________________________is hereby granted
permission to destroy a well on the premises at ________________________
_________________________________________________in accordance with the
above application, and in strict conformance with the requirements of
the rules and regulations of the Board of Health of the Town of Sharon
and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating thereto.
Approval Recommended By:______________________________Date:____________
Permit Granted____________l9_____BOARD OF HEALTH_______________________
************************************************************************
... WELL SEAL DATA ...
Preliminary Cleaning or Redrilling_____________________________________
Type___________ Depth________Materials of Seal Used____________________
Approved_______________________Inspected By____________________________
WELLS CONSIDERED AT HIGH RISK FOR CONTAMINATION AND THE
RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY OF TESTING.
PART IV
The attached well water standards will apply to all new wells drilled
after the adoption of these regulations. The Board of Health would like
to point out that the wells drilled prior to January 1988 may not meet
these standards and may be at high risk for contamination if:
____they are not located an adequate horizontal distance from
potential sources of contamination and pollution as outlined in
Part II, Section 2);
____environmental conditions surrounding the well have been
adversely impacted as described in Part II, Section 2 since the
last test of water quality; and
____they are dug wells which are shallow, relatively large in
diameter and thus susceptible to surface pollution.
Therefore, in order to better ensure water quality, the Board of
Health recommends more frequent testing of water quality in some
cases.
__Dug wells shall be tested for nitrates/nitrites and coliform
bacteria annually.
__Wells located within a high density development (more than 1
household septic tank per 1 acre lot) shall be tested for
nitrates/nitrites and coliform bacteria annually.
__Wells located less than 100 feet from a public way shall be
tested for nitrates/nitrites and sodium annually.
__Wells located closer than permitted in these regulations to
potential sources of contamination or located in high risk areas
should test their water for nitrates/nitrites and bacteria as soon as it is noted that members of the household have become ill from chronic diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis or other suspect ailments or if they notice a change in the color, taste, or odor of the water.
EXPLANATION OF BACTERIOLOGICAL,CHEMICAL AND MINERAL ELEMENTS FOUND IN WATER. PART V
Bacterial Quality
Coliform Bacteria _ indicator organism which is not pathogenic, but could indicate presence of bacteria from diseased person. When found in conjunction with elevated levels of nitrates and chloride may indicate contamination by septic systems or other fecal pollution.
Chemical (Mineral) Quality
Arsenic _ occurs naturally in environment but also an ingredient in pesticides. Highly toxic in large doses. Linked to increase incidence of skin cancer and may also cause circulatory disease.
Copper _ causes bitter taste, pipe corrosion, green stains on fixtures; associated with gastrointestinal disturbances and, at higher levels, hemolysis and renal problems.
Color _ drinking water should be practically free from color for aesthetic purposes; indicator of iron/manganese.
Odor _may indicate presence of bacteria, ammonia, nitrogen, manganese sulfate, methane, chemical pollution, residual chlorine.
Sodium _ naturally occurring constituent of water but excess sodium enters water supplies as a result of sodium chloride as deicer. Associated with unpleasant taste; may be health threat to certain segments of population: hypertensive and persons with kidney disease, infants, pregnant women.
pH_Acidity _ can cause metals such as lead and copper to leach into water supply. Chronic lead ingestion in heavy doses linked to defects in blood forming system, nervous system, and kidneys.
Chloride _ residual of disinfectant, may cause salty taste.
Total Iron _ causes discoloration of water which stains ceramic plumbing fixtures and laundry and clogs pipes, joints, valves, and connections. May cause metallic taste.
Total Hardness _ bathtub ring, grey laundry, associated with calcium manganese.
Sulfate _ corrosive at low pH, especially when combined with chloride.
Manganese _ similar to iron
Nitrogen_nitrate _ found in human waste and agricultural runoff; nitrates may convert to nitrites which change hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which is incapable of carrying oxygen. Associated with potentially fatal disease in infants_methemoglobinemia. Waters with excessive amounts of nitrates should not be given to infants. Boiling the water only increases the nitrate concentration.
Turbidity _ cloudiness of water caused by suspension of minute particles. These particles can interfere with disinfection and bacteria testing. May indicate infiltration of surface water into well.
Volatile Organic Chemicals _ are man_made compounds containing carbon which easily become gasses at normal temperatures.
EPA method 524 refers to the analytical method used to test for the presence of this particular group of compounds. EPA standards have been established for the following 8 compounds:
benzene _ from leaking fuel tanks; industrial effluents. Solvent in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes, plastics, paints, and pharmaceuticals. Linked to cancer.
carbon tetrachloride _ found in fire extinguishers and cleaning agents. Used as solvent and grain fumigant. Linked to liver damage (but no jaundice), nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue. Causes cancer in lab animals.
1,2 dichloroethane _ metal degreaser, insecticide fumigant, tobacco flavor enhancer, found in paint, varnish, finish removers, soaps and scouring compounds. Linked to CNS depression, liver, kidney and adrenal injury; eye, nose, and throat irritant; hemmorrhagic lesions of internal organs. High dose has resulted in death due to liver necrosis and focal adrenal degeneration and necrosis. Causes cancer in lab animals.
trichloroethylene _ solvent, metal degreaser in organic chemical manufacture and drycleaning. Linked to vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, liver and kidney damage. Causes liver cancer in mice at high doses.
paradichlorobenzene _ (1,4 dichlorobenzene) _ used primarily for moth control (balls and powder) and in lavatory deodorant. Exposure to high levels may result in general anemia or local irritation to the eyes and nose. Skin irritation, nausea and vomiting have been reported in some cases of high exposure. Long_term exposure may result in respiratory and CNS disturbances, blood disorders, and liver damage. Causes cancer in laboratory animals.
1,1 dichloroethylene _ intermediate in synthesis of copolymers for food packaging films and coatings. Linked to liver and kidney injury. Causes cancer in lab animals.
1,1,1 trichloroethane _ solvent in organic chemical manufacture and dry cleaning. Linked to CNS depression. Mouth, throat and stomach irritant. Causes cancer in lab animals.
vinyl chloride _ found in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes and solvent used to join them, industrial waste from the manufacture of plastics and synthetic rubber. Linked to cancer.
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