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Private Water Wells
Prior to the City of Glendale incorporating and creating a public water utility, numerous homes and properties were served by private water wells. There were over 600 known private water wells located in the City at one time. Common wells are drilled but earlier methods included driven and dug wells. A well system will have a pump generally located above ground, commonly known as a jet or offset pump. A pump below ground is known as a submersible pump. In addition to the pump, there is other equipment including a power switch, pressure switch, and a pressure tank which stores water.
Occasionally, you may hear someone refer to a well as a “spring” or “artesian well”. This type of well is technically referred to as a “flowing well” in which the water flows up and out of the ground naturally by way of pressure. Flowing wells generally produce more water in earlier in the year during the spring melt and rainy season and the volume generally decreases throughout the year or may stop entirely. A flowing well will generally have a discharge pipe installed at the top to convey water to a more desirable area.
Wells generally receive their water from aquifers. An aquifer is large underground reservoir comprised of permeable rock in which water is stored. Aquifers are replenished by ground water. If water is withdrawn from the aquifer at a faster rate than it is replenished, surface water can also be affected. A single aquifer can serve several wells.
Most people can recognize a well as a round metal casing that protrudes above the ground about 12 inches however; some older homes have wells that are located in exterior or interior pits or basements. Pit wells were prohibited under state law in 1953 however; their use may be continued if they meet certain requirements.
The state of Wisconsin has had well regulations in place since 1936. Chapter NR 812 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code is the state Well and Pump Code applicable to all private wells.
Visit the DNR website below for more information on Private Wells:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wells/homeowners.html
Visit the DNR website below for more information on Groundwater:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Groundwater/
Well Operation Permit Application
Occasionally, you may hear someone refer to a well as a “spring” or “artesian well”. This type of well is technically referred to as a “flowing well” in which the water flows up and out of the ground naturally by way of pressure. Flowing wells generally produce more water in earlier in the year during the spring melt and rainy season and the volume generally decreases throughout the year or may stop entirely. A flowing well will generally have a discharge pipe installed at the top to convey water to a more desirable area.
Wells generally receive their water from aquifers. An aquifer is large underground reservoir comprised of permeable rock in which water is stored. Aquifers are replenished by ground water. If water is withdrawn from the aquifer at a faster rate than it is replenished, surface water can also be affected. A single aquifer can serve several wells.
Most people can recognize a well as a round metal casing that protrudes above the ground about 12 inches however; some older homes have wells that are located in exterior or interior pits or basements. Pit wells were prohibited under state law in 1953 however; their use may be continued if they meet certain requirements.
The state of Wisconsin has had well regulations in place since 1936. Chapter NR 812 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code is the state Well and Pump Code applicable to all private wells.
Visit the DNR website below for more information on Private Wells:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Wells/homeowners.html
Visit the DNR website below for more information on Groundwater:
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Groundwater/