DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY

DRINKING WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION

GROUNDWATER QUALITY CONTROL

(By authority conferred on the director of the department of environment, Great

Lakes, and energy by section 12714 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL

333.12714, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-1, 2011-1, and 2019-1, MCL

330.3101, 324.99921, and 324.99923)

PART 1. WELL CONSTRUCTION CODE

R 325.1601 Definitions; A.

Rule 101. (1) "Abandoned water well" means any of the following:

(a) A well which has its use permanently discontinued.

(b) A well which is in such disrepair that its continued use for the purpose of

obtaining groundwater is impractical.

(c) A well which has been left uncompleted.

(d) A well which is a threat to groundwater resources.

(e) A well which is or may be a health or safety hazard.

(2) "Act" means Part 127 of Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended,

being §§333.12701 to 333.12715 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(3) "Annular space" means the space between 2 cylindrical objects, 1 of which

surrounds the other, such as the space between a borehole wall and a permanent casing or

between a temporary casing and a permanent casing.

(4) "Approved basement" means a basement which has walls and a floor that are

constructed of concrete or its equivalent, which is reasonably watertight, which is

properly drained, and which is in ordinary daily use.

(5) "Aquifer" means a subsurface water-bearing geologic material that transmits

water in sufficient quantities to supply a well.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1601a Definitions; B.

Rule 101a. (1) "Basement offset" means a below grade well room or pump room

which has walls and a floor that are constructed of concrete or its equivalent, which is

reasonably watertight, and which is attached directly to, and drained into, an approved

basement in a manner that provides access for the maintenance of water supply system

components.

(2) "Bedrock" means consolidated and continuous geologic material, such as

limestone, dolomite, shale, sandstone, basalt, or granite.

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(3) "Bentonite" means a plastic, colloidal clay which has an extensive ability to

absorb fresh water and swell in volume and which is composed predominantly of the

mineral montmorillonite.

(4) "Bentonite chips" means bentonite that is crushed to an approximate size range

of 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch.

(5) "Bentonite grout" means a slurry which consists of bentonite and water and

which has a high solids concentration and a minimum density that meets specifications

approved by the department. A slurry of drilling fluid bentonite and water or drilled

cuttings, either singularly or in combination, is not bentonite grout.

(6) "Bentonite pellets" means bentonite that has been processed into pellet or

tablet form with a diameter of 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1602 Definitions; C, D.

Rule 102. (1) "Casing" means an impervious durable pipe that is placed in a well to

prevent the walls from caving and to prevent surface drainage, undesirable water,

gas, or other fluids, from entering the well.

(2) "Coliform group" means all of the aerobic and facultative anaerobic, gram-

negative, nonspore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria that ferment lactose with gas formation

within 48 hours at 35 degrees Celsius.

(3) "Concrete grout" means a mixture of cement, sand, and water in the proportion

of 1 bag of cement (94 pounds), an equal volume (1 cubic foot) of dry sand or gravel

aggregate, and not more than 6 gallons of clean water.

(4) "Confining layer" means geologic material which has a low hydraulic

conductivity, which is 5 feet or more in thickness, and which impedes or prevents

vertical groundwater movement.

(5) "Contaminant" means a biological, chemical, physical, or radiological

constituent in water that is or may become injurious to the public health, safety, or

welfare.

(6) "Date of completion" means the date on which the installation of the pump or

pumping equipment was completed, the date on which well drilling was completed if a

pump or pumping equipment will not be installed or will be installed by a person other

than the well drilling contractor, or the date on which the water supply system is placed

into service after the collection of water samples pursuant to the provisions of R

325.1661.

(7) "Department" means the state department of public health.

(8) "Dewatering well contractor" means an individual, partnership, or corporation

which is qualified to engage in dewatering well construction and dewatering well pump

installation and which constructs or installs dewatering wells, plugs abandoned

dewatering wells, or supervises such work.

(9) "Dewatering well pump installer" means an individual, partnership, or

corporation which is qualified to engage in installing and operating dewatering pumps

and which installs and operates dewatering pumps or supervises such work.

(10) "Director" means the director of the department or an authorized

representative.

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(11) "Drilling fluid bentonite" means bentonite that is processed into a powdered

form for use as a viscosifier and filtrate reducer in drilling operations.

(12) "Dry hole" means an open borehole or cased borehole that does not produce

water in sufficient quantity for the intended use.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1603 Definitions; G to M.

Rule 103. (1) "Geologic material" means all materials that are penetrated in

drilling a well.

(2) "Granular bentonite" means bentonite that has an approximate size range of

1/32 to 1/8 of an inch.

(3) "Ground surface" means the intended or actual finished grade of the surface of

the ground at the well site, which shall be consistent with the surrounding land surface.

(4) "Groundwater" means the water in the zone of saturation that fills all of the

pore spaces of the subsurface geologic material.

(5) "Grout" means a material that has a low permeability, such as neat cement,

bentonite grout, bentonite chips, bentonite pellets, granular bentonite, or other

materials which have equivalent sealing properties and which are approved in writing by

the department before use.

(6) "Grouting" means the placement of grout into the annular space that surrounds a

permanent casing for the purpose of sealing the annular space to prevent the entrance or

migration of surface water, near surface water, and contaminants to the groundwater and

to maintain the natural protection of aquifers.

(7) "Health officer" means the administrative officer who is in charge of a full-time

local health department or an authorized representative.

(8) "Installation of pumps and pumping equipment" means the selection of, and

procedure employed in the placement and preparation for operation of, pumps and

pumping equipment, including any construction that is involved in making an

entrance to the well and also means installing a pitless adapter, well cap, pump drop

pipe, suction line, discharge line, water service line, or pressure tank.

(9) "Liner pipe" means a permanent casing installed within another permanent

casing or open borehole subsequent to initial construction of the well.

(10) "Municipality" means a city, village, township, county, district, or other public

body that is created by or pursuant to state law or any combination of such units acting

cooperatively or jointly.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1603a Definitions; N, O.

Rule 103a. (1) "Neat cement" means a mixture of 1 bag of Portland or Portland

Limestone cement, 94 pounds, and not more than 6 gallons of fresh water. Drilling fluid

bentonite that is not more than 5% by weight of cement and additional water that is not

more than 0.6 gallons for each 1% of bentonite may be added to neat cement. Other

additives and admixtures must be approved by the department before use.

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(2) "Overburden" means unconsolidated geologic material, such as gravel, sand, silt,

and clay, that overlies bedrock.

History: 1994 AACS; 2023 MR 10, Eff. May 26, 2023.

R 325.1604 Definitions; P.

Rule 104. (1) "Permanent casing" means durable, impervious pipe placed or driven

into the borehole and left in place to maintain the well opening.

(2) "Pitless adapter" means a device or assembly of parts which will permit water

to pass through the wall of the well casing or extension thereof and which provides

access to the well and to the parts of the water supply system within the well in a

manner to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the well and the water produced.

(3) "Potable water" means water which is free of contaminants in

concentrations that may cause disease or harmful physiological effects and which is safe

for human consumption.

(4) "Pressure tank" means a closed water and air storage container that modulates

the water supply system pressure within a selected range.

(5) "Priming" means the filling of a pump with water and the action of starting the

flow in a pump.

(6) "Pumping equipment" means equipment or materials that are used or intended

to assist a pump in withdrawing groundwater from a well, including any of the

following:

(a) Seals and other safeguards to protect the water from contamination.

(b) Associated fittings.

(c) Intake and discharge piping.

(d) Controls to provide sanitary water storage facilities and deliver water to a

distribution piping system.

(7) "Pump room" means an enclosed structure which is either above ground surface

or located within or attached to an approved basement and which houses a pump or

pumping equipment.

(8) "Pumping water level" means the distance measured from the ground surface

to the water surface in a well that is being pumped.

(9) "PVC" means polyvinyl chloride plastic.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1605 Definitions; R to T.

Rule 105. (1) "Recharge well," as used in section 12701 of the act, means a well

used to discharge groundwater into an aquifer.

(2) "Static water level" means the distance measured from the ground surface to

the water surface in a well that is neither being pumped nor under the influence of

pumping.

(3) "Suction line" means a pipe or line that is connected to the inlet side of a pump

or any pipe or line connected to a casing or pump which is or may be at less than

atmospheric pressure (0 psig).

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(4) "Sump" means a shallow excavation into the ground in which the side walls

may be supported by material other than steel casing. Water may enter the sump by

drainage over the ground or by seepage through the side walls and bottom.

(5) "Surface water" means water that rests or flows on the surface of the ground.

(6) "Temporarily abandoned well" means a well that is not in use, but intended by

the owner to be used as a source of groundwater.

(7) "Temporary casing" means durable pipe placed or driven into a borehole to

maintain an open annular space around the permanent casing during construction of a

well.

(8) "Test well," as used in section 12701 of the act, means a well that is used to

obtain information on groundwater quantity, quality, or aquifer characteristics for the

purpose of designing or operating a water supply well.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1606 Definitions; V to Y.

Rule 106. (1) "Wastewater" means a liquid waste that includes any of the following:

(a) Human excreta.

(b) Wastes from a sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower, or laundry.

(c) Any other liquid waste of organic or chemical nature, either singularly or in

combination.

(2) "Water supply system" means a well, pump, and pumping equipment.

(3) "Well," as defined in section 12701 of the act, also includes all of the following:

(a) "Water supply well," which means a well that is used to provide potable water

for drinking or domestic purposes.

(b) "Irrigation well," which means a well that is used to provide water for plants,

livestock, or other agricultural processes.

(c) "Heat exchange well," which means a well for the purpose of utilizing the

geothermal properties of earth formations for heating or air conditioning.

(d) "Industrial well," which means a well that is used to supply water for industrial

processes, fire protection, or similar nonpotable uses.

(4) "Well drilling" means any of the following:

(a) Constructing, reconstructing or repairing a well.

(b) Operating a well drilling machine.

(c) Installing or removing casing or a well screen.

(d) Well grouting.

(e) Well development.

(f) Well rehabilitation.

(g) Hydrofracturing.

(h) Chemical treatment of a well.

(i) Plugging abandoned wells.

(5) "Well house" means an enclosed structure which is located above the ground

surface and which houses a well or water supply system.

(6) "Well log" or "water well record" means a record of information about a

specific well as provided for in section 12707 of the act.

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(7) "Well seal" means a device to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the top

of a well casing.

(8) "Well used temporarily for dewatering," as used in section 12701 of the act,

means a well that is used to lower the groundwater level temporarily at a

construction site.

(9) "Vent" means an outlet which is at the upper terminal of a well casing and

which allows the equalization of air pressure in the well.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1607 Terms defined in the act.

Rule 107. The terms defined in the act have the same meanings when used in these

rules.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1608 Authorized activities.

Rule 108. (1) A registered well drilling contractor may perform the well drilling

activities that are set forth in R 325.1606(4) and pump installation activities that are

set forth in R 325.1603(8).

(2) A registered pump installer may perform the pump installation activities that

are set forth in R 325.1603(8), but shall not perform well drilling activities that are set

forth in R 325.1606(4).

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1610 Adoption of standards and specifications.

Rule 110. (1) These rules refer to the following standards and specifications of

nationally recognized organizations or associations that are in effect and adopted by

reference in these rules:

(a) The following ASTM International standards, which are available for purchase

from ASTM International, 100 Bar Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,

Pennsylvania 19428-2959:

(i) ASTM specification A 53-90b, “Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black

and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated Welded and Seamless."

(ii) ASTM specification A 106-91, "Standard Specification For Seamless Carbon

Steel Pipe for High Temperature Service."

(iii) ASTM specification A 589-89a, "Standard Specification for Seamless and

Welded Carbon Steel Water-Well Pipe."

(iv) ASTM specification F 480-90, “Standard Specification for Thermoplastic

Water Well Casing Pipe and Couplings Made in Standard Dimension Ratios (SDR)."

(v) ASTM specification D 1785-91, "Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl

Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Schedules 40, 80, and 120."

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(vi) ASTM specification D 2239-89, “Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE)

Plastic Pipe (SIDR-PR) Based on Controlled Inside Diameter."

(vii) ASTM specification D 2241-89, “Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl

Chloride) (PVC) Pressure-Rated Pipe (SDR Series)."

(viii) ASTM specification D 2662-89, “Standard Specification for Polybutylene

(PB) Plastic Pipe Based on Controlled Inside Diameter."

(ix) ASTM specification D 2666-89, "Standard Specification for Polybutylene (PB)

Plastic Tubing."

(x) ASTM specification D 2737-89, "Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE)

Plastic Tubing."

(xi) ASTM specification C 150-89, "Standard Specification for Portland Cement."

(xii) ASTM specification C 595/C 595M-21, “Standard Specification for Blended

Hydraulic Cements.”

(b) American petroleum institute (API) specification 5L, 1990, "Specification for

Line Pipe," and the API “Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements," API

specification 10, 1990, which are available for purchase from the American Petroleum

Institute, 1220 L Street, Northwest, Washington, DC 20005.

(c) American national standards institute (ANSI)/NSF "Standard Number 60 for

Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects," 1988, and ANSI/NSF "Standard

Number 61 for Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects," 1990, and

ANSI/NSF "Standard Number 14 for Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials,"

1989, which are available for purchase from the NSF, 3475 Plymouth Road, P. O. Box

1468, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106.

(2) The standards and specifications adopted by reference in subrule (1) of this rule

are available for inspection at the office of the Michigan Department of Environment,

Great Lakes, and Energy, Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, 525 West

Allegan, PO Box 30817, Lansing, Michigan 48909-8311.

History: 1994 AACS; 2023 MR 10, Eff. May 26, 2023.

R 325.1611 Application of rules to existing water supplies.

Rule 111. (1) When extensive changes or repairs are made to a water supply

system that was constructed before the effective date of these amendatory rules, the

changes or repairs shall be in compliance with the provisions of these rules unless a

deviation is issued pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1613. Extensive changes

include replacing the entire casing, removing a casing from the ground, or changing

aquifers.

(2) Upgrading a water supply system to conform with these rules is not required

when minor repairs to the system occur, such as any of the following:

(a) Replacing a telescoped well screen.

(b) Changing screen elevation.

(c) Deepening or plugging back a bedrock well.

(d) Installing a liner pipe.

(e) Replacing a pump, controls, pump drop pipe, or pressure tank.

(f) Chemical treatment of the well or well disinfection.

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History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1612 Compliance with regulations and local codes.

Rule 112. A person who installs a well, pump, or pumping equipment shall comply

with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and codes, including all of the following:

(a) Act No. 399 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended, being §325.1001 et seq. of

the Michigan Compiled Laws. (safe drinking water act)

(b) Act No. 266 of the Public Acts of 1929, as amended, being §338.901 et seq. of

the Michigan Compiled Laws. (state plumbing code)

(c) Act No. 154 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended, being §408.1001 et seq. of

the Michigan Compiled Laws. (occupational safety and health act)

(d) Act No. 53 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended, being §460.701 et seq. of the

Michigan Compiled Laws. (utility damage prevention act)

(e) Act No. 217 of the Public Acts of 1956, as amended, being §338.881 et seq. of

the Michigan Compiled Laws. (electrical administrative act)

(f) Act No. 331 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended, being §445.901 et seq. of

the Michigan Compiled Laws. (consumer protection act)

(g) Any local code of a municipality which regulates the installation of a well,

pump, or pumping equipment and which is not less restrictive than these rules. If a local

board of health, in the discharge of its duties to protect the public health, deems it

necessary to establish requirements that are more stringent than these rules, it shall do

so and file a record of the requirements with the director. Well drilling contractors who

drill wells in the counties that are affected by the more stringent requirements shall be

notified, in writing, by the department or local health department not less than 5

days before the effective date of the modified requirements.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1613 Deviations from minimum standards.

Rule 113. (1) A health officer, in the discharge of his or her duty to protect the

public health, may issue a deviation from the provisions of specific rules as provided

for in this rule, if the spirit and intent of these rules are observed and the public health,

safety, and welfare are assured.

(2) Rules or parts of rules, specific minimum standards, requirements, and

conditions for which deviations may be permitted are as follows:

(a) The provisions of R 325.1611(1) may be deviated from to permit a water

service line to remain in a condition that is not in compliance with the provisions of these

rules when extensive changes or repairs to a water supply system are made if the water

service line is located beneath a permanent structure or pavement.

(b) The provisions of R 325.1622 may be deviated from as follows:

(i) A well may be located closer than the specified minimum distance to a potential

or known source of contamination if the dimensions of the property on which the well

is to be located do not permit compliance with the specified minimum distances and if

any of the following conditions exist:

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(A) Hydrogeologic data indicate that the direction of groundwater flow at the

contamination source is away from the well.

(B) The depth of the well and depth of grouting of the casing that is specified by a

health officer as a condition of the deviation will provide equivalent protection of

groundwater quality and the public health.

(C) The well is being constructed to replace an existing water supply well that is

located on a site where a habitable structure exists.

(ii) A well may be required to be located more than the specified minimum

distance from a potential or known source of contamination if the minimum specified

distance will not protect groundwater quality or the public health due to local

groundwater conditions, geology, or other factors.

(iii) A well may be located closer than the specified minimum distance, but not

closer than 10 feet, to a pressurized sewer that meets all of the following requirements:

(A) The sewer pipe and joints have been pressure tested, after installation, to

not less than 100 pounds per square inch and have been determined to be watertight.

(B) The sewer pipe and joints meet or exceed the standards of ASTM

specification D 1785-91 or D 2241-89. The specifications are adopted by reference in R

325.1610.

(C) The sewer has a wall thickness that is equivalent to, or thicker than, schedule

40 or SDR 21.

(iv) A health officer may require a study of the hydrogeological conditions of a

site to support a deviation issued pursuant to the provisions of this subrule.

(c) The provisions of R 325.1624(1)(a) may be deviated from to permit a well to be

located closer than 3 feet to a building, pump room, or any projection thereof if all of

the following conditions exist:

(i) The well is replacing an abandoned well.

(ii) The dimensions and features of the property on which the well is to be

constructed do not permit location of the well to be in compliance with the specified

minimum distance.

(iii) Access for maintenance of the well is provided.

(d) The provisions of R 325.1632(3) may be deviated from to permit a well casing

to extend less than 25 feet below the ground surface if the well will not be used to

supply water to habitable structures or for human consumption and if both of the

following conditions exist:

(i) The well and water supply system are clearly and permanently identified as

not being suitable for human consumption or body contact.

(ii) The well and water supply system are separated from any potable water

supply system on the premises.

(e) The provisions of R 325.1632(3) may be deviated from to permit a well casing

to extend less than 25 feet below the ground surface if there is reason to believe that

potable water of suitable quantity does not exist at a reasonable depth of more than 25

feet and if either of the following conditions exists:

(i) The distance between the well and a potential or known source of

contamination is increased pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (b)(ii) of this

subrule.

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(ii) A confining layer is present above the aquifer that will be used by the shallow

(f) The provisions of R 325.1634a(1) may be deviated from to permit the length of

well.

casing to be grouted for rotary-bored or augered wells to be decreased if the well is

more than 100 feet deep and if a confining layer is not penetrated.

(g) The provisions of R 325.1637 may be deviated from to require that a well casing

extend more than 25 feet below the ground surface if there is reason to believe that

nonpotable water is or may be present in the upper bedrock.

(h) The provisions of R 325.1638(2) may be deviated from to permit flowing

well discharge if the well owner or the well owner's representative demonstrates

any of the following:

(i) Control of the flow is not practical.

(ii) Control of the flow will likely result in the production of sand or turbidity in the

water.

(iii) The discharge is for a beneficial use.

(3) Deviations from the rules listed in subrule (2) of this rule shall be made, in

writing, by a health officer and shall state the reasons for each deviation. A health

officer may require special well construction features as a condition for the issuance of

a deviation and may require well construction features that are more stringent than

these rules when deemed necessary to protect the groundwater quality or the public

health. Reasons for the issuance of a deviation or special well construction features as

a condition for the issuance of a deviation by a health officer shall be based upon any

of the following factors:

(a) Site hydrogeology.

(b) Site topography.

(c) Site dimensions.

(d) Soil characteristics.

(e) Depth of well.

(f) Type of well.

(g) Well pumping rate.

(h) Well drilling method.

(i) Distance from contamination sources.

(j) Presence of groundwater contamination.

(k) Other similar factors.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1621 Location and construction of wells generally.

Rule 121. (1) All of the following provisions apply to well location:

(a) A well shall be located with due consideration of all of the following:

(i) Lot size.

(ii) Hydrogeology.

(iii) Site topography.

(iv) Soil characteristics.

(v) Other factors that are necessary to implement the provisions of these rules.

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(b) A well shall be located so that the well and its surrounding area can be kept in

a sanitary condition.

(c) A well shall be located so that access to the well for maintenance is provided.

(d) A well shall be located so that damage and personal injury do not result from

contact with utilities during the construction or service of the well.

(2) A well shall be adequate in size, design, and development for the intended use

giving due consideration to local groundwater conditions.

(3) All of the following provisions apply to well construction:

(a) A well shall be constructed to maintain existing natural protection against the

contamination of aquifers.

(b) A well shall be constructed to exclude all known sources of contamination

from the well.

(c) A well shall be constructed, equipped, and operated to prevent unnecessary

discharge from flowing wells.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1622 Wells; distances from contamination sources.

Rule 122. (1) A well that furnishes water for any beneficial use shall be located

where it is not subject to contamination. Groundwater contaminant movement is

influenced by the type of contaminant, groundwater flow direction and velocity, and

other hydrogeologic, geologic, and geochemical factors. If available, hydrogeologic

data shall be used to select well location. Where possible, a well shall be located

upgradient of a potential or known source of contamination. A well shall be located the

maximum practical distance from a potential or known source of contamination.

The following minimum horizontal distances shall be maintained when locating a

well:

(a) Eight hundred feet from either of the following:

(i) The active work area of a landfill, as defined in R 299.4101.

(ii) Land surface application of septage waste, as defined by section 2 of Act No.

181 of the Public Acts of 1986, being §325.312 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(b) Three hundred feet from any of the following:

(i) Land application or subsurface injection of effluent or digested sludge from a

municipal wastewater treatment facility.

(ii) Oil and gas wells.

(iii) Petroleum product processing or storage facilities.

(iv) Underground or abovegrade storage tank systems of not less than 1100

gallons which are regulated under Act No. 423 of the Public Acts of 1984, as amended,

being §299.701 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, when secondary containment

as defined by Act No. 423 of the Public Acts of 1984, as amended, is not provided.

(c) One hundred and fifty feet from a preparation or storage area for fertilizers,

agricultural chemicals, or other chemicals that might contaminate the soil or

groundwater.

(d) Fifty feet from any of the following:

(i) A buried sewer, other than a sewer that is specified in subdivision (g) of this

subrule.

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(ii) A septic tank.

(iii) A subsurface disposal field.

(iv) A dry well.

(v) A sewage pump chamber.

(vi) A pressurized sewer.

(vii) A grease trap.

(viii) A seepage pit.

(ix) A cesspool.

(x) An animal or poultry yard.

(xi) An outhouse.

(xii) Any other wastewater handling or disposal unit or site of liquid wastes

draining into the soil.

(e) Fifty feet from underground or abovegrade storage tank systems which have a

capacity of not less than 1,100 gallons, which are regulated pursuant to the

provisions of Act No. 423 of the Public Acts of 1984, as amended, being §299.701 et

seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, and which have secondary containment as defined

in Act No. 423 of the Public Acts of 1984, as amended.

(f) Fifty feet from underground or abovegrade storage tank systems which have a

capacity of less than 1,100 gallons and which store motor or heating fuels for

noncommercial purposes or consumptive use on the premises where the fuel is stored.

(g) Ten feet from any of the following:

(i) A buried gravity-flow sewer that is constructed of service weight or heavier

ductile-iron pipe with watertight joints, schedule 40 PVC plastic with watertight joints,

or other material and joints that are approved, in writing, by the director.

(ii) A sump, pit, or unfilled space that is below the ground surface, except for a

crawl space.

(iii) A surface water body, such as a lake, pond, river, or stream.

(2) The health officer who is responsible for enforcement of this rule may deviate

from the minimum isolation distances in this rule pursuant to the provisions of R

325.1613, either increasing or decreasing the minimum isolation distances for individual

well installations.

(3) A well that serves a public water supply, as defined pursuant to the provisions of

Act No. 399 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended, being §325.1001 et seq. of the

Michigan Compiled Laws, shall be isolated from contamination sources in accordance

with requirements specified in R 325.10101 et seq.

(4) A well owner shall be responsible for maintaining the isolation distances that

are specified in the provisions of R 325.1622 and R 325.1624 for property that is

owned by the well owner.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1624 Wells; relation to buildings and access for maintenance.

Rule 124. (1) A well shall be located not less than 3 feet horizontally from a

building, pump room, or any projection thereof, unless a deviation is issued pursuant to

the provisions of R 325.1613.

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(2) A well shall be accessible for cleaning, treatment, repair, testing, inspection, and

other attention as may be necessary. A well owner shall maintain access to a well for a

well drilling machine.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1625 Wells; areas subject to flooding.

Rule 125. (1) A well shall not be located in an area that is subject to flooding unless

the well is protected as prescribed, in writing, by the health officer.

(2) A well owner shall grade the ground surface that is immediately adjacent to

the well casing so surface water is diverted away from the well.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1626 Construction of wells; steel casing.

Rule 126. (1) Steel pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall be new pipe that

is manufactured in compliance with the standards of ASTM specification A 53-90b, A

106-91, or A 589-89a or in compliance with the standards of API specification 5L-90.

The specifications are adopted by reference in R 325.1610.

(2) Steel pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall be at least standard weight

or schedule 40 through 10 inches inside diameter. Larger diameter pipe shall be at least

standard weight. Weights and dimensions of standard weight or schedule 40 pipe are set

forth in ASTM specification A 53-90b, A 106-91, and A 589-89a, API 5L-90

specification, and in table 1.

Table 1

Steel Well Casing

Pipe Weights and Dimensions*

Nominal

Inside

Pipe Size

Diameter

Weight

Weight/

Lbs.

Per Ft.

Wall

Outside

Plain

Threaded/

Thickness

Diameter

(Inches)

1 1/4

Schedule

End

Std./40

Couplings

2.27

(Inches)

2.30

2.75

3.75

5.90

7.70

9.25

11.00

.140

.145

.154

.203

.216

.226

.237

1.660

1.900

2.375

2.875

3.500

4.000

4.500

1.380

1.610

2.067

2.469

3.068

3.548

4.026

1 1/2

2

"

2.72

3.65

5.79

7.58

9.11

10.79

2 1/2

3

3 1/2

4

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5

"

14.62

18.97

28.55

40.48

49.56

54.57

62.58

70.59

78.60

94.62

15.00

19.45

29.35

41.85

51.15

57.00

65.30

73.00

81.00

-

.258

.280

.322

.365

.375

5.563

6.625

5.047

6.065

7.981

6

"

8

"

8.625

10

"

10.750

12.750

14.000

16.000

18.000

20.000

24.000

10.020

12

12.000

14

13.250

16

15.250

18

17.250

20

19.250

24

23.250

Std.

"

* Dimensions and tolerances are listed in the specifications adopted in R 325.1610.

(3) Each length of steel pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall be legibly

marked, by the manufacturer, with all of the following information:

(a) The name of the manufacturer.

(b) The kind of pipe (continuous welded, electric resistance welded, or seamless).

(c) The weight or schedule.

(d) The nominal or outside diameter.

(e) The specification number.

(f) The length.

(g) The heat or lot number.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1627 Construction of wells; steel casing and types of joints.

Rule 127. (1) Steel pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall be watertight

throughout its length and shall have threaded or welded joints.

(2) Couplings that are used on threaded steel casing shall be recessed or reamed

and drifted couplings that are manufactured in compliance with the standards of ASTM

specification A 589-89a or API specification 5L-90. The specifications are adopted by

reference in R 325.1610. Couplings shall have a design, taper, and type of thread that is

consistent with the thread of the pipe and threads shall not be exposed on the pipe.

(3) Welded joints shall be in compliance with the specifications of table 2 and

provide a structurally sound and watertight joint. Pipe ends shall be free of oil, grease,

heavy rust, paint, or other foreign

materials, except for tightly adherent mill scale. The weld bead shall be chipped and

brushed to remove slag and other extraneous materials between passes.

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Table 2

Minimum Number of Passes

for Welding Steel Casing

Pipe Diameter

Minimum Number

passes

(inches)

4

5

6

8

2

3

4

10 or larger

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1631 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1631a Construction of wells; PVC casing dimensions.

Rule 131a. (1) PVC pipe that is used as permanent casing shall be new pipe that is

manufactured in compliance with the standards of ASTM specification F 480-90,

which is adopted by reference in R 325.1610.

(2) PVC pipe that is used as permanent casing shall be SDR 21 or heavier. PVC

pipe that is installed at depths of more than 200 feet shall be SDR 17 or heavier.

(3) PVC pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall have an outside diameter

and minimum wall thickness as specified in table 3. Dimensional standards for PVC

pipe are specified in ASTM specification F 480-90.

Table 3

Diameter and Wall Thickness

of PVC Well Casing and Liners

Minimum Wall

Nominal

Pipe Size

(inches)

2

Thickness

(inches)

SDR 21

.113

.167

Outside Diameter

(inches)

2.375

SDR 17

.140

.206

Liner Pipe

Only

3

3.500

4

4.500

.214

.265

5

6

8

10

12

5.563

6.625

8.625

10.750

12.750

.265

.316

.410

.511

.606

.327

.390

.508

.632

.750

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14

16

14.00

16.00

.667

.762

--

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1631b Construction of wells; PVC casing material standards.

Rule 131b. (1) PVC pipe that is used as permanent casing shall be new pipe that is

in compliance with ASTM specification F 480-90, which is adopted by reference in R

325.1610.

(2) Each length of PVC pipe that is used as permanent well casing shall be legibly

marked, by the manufacturer, with all of the following information:

(a) The nominal pipe size.

(b) The standard dimension ratio (SDR).

(c) The type of plastic (PVC 1120 or PVC 1220).

(d) The wording "well casing."

(e) The impact classification (IC).

(f) A designation that the pipe is in compliance with the provisions of ASTM

specification F 480-90.

(g) The manufacturer's name or trademark.

(h) The manufacturer's code for resin manufacture.

(i) The lot number and date of manufacture.

(j) A certification mark that verifies that the pipe is in compliance with the

provisions of ANSI/NSF standard 14.

(3) Casing pipe that is manufactured from thermoplastic materials other than PVC

shall be in compliance with the provisions of ASTM specification F 480-90, which is

adopted by reference in R 325.1610, and shall be used only with the written prior

approval of the director.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1631c Construction of wells; PVC well casing joints.

Rule 131c. (1) PVC well casing joints shall be deep socket bell ends or couplings

that are manufactured in accordance with ASTM specification F 480-90, which is

adopted by reference in R 325.1610.

(2) PVC casing fittings shall be legibly marked with all of the following

information:

(a) The nominal well casing pipe coupling size.

(b) The type of plastic.

(c) A designation that the fittings are in compliance with the provisions of

ASTM specification F 480-90.

(d) The manufacturer's name or trademark.

(e) A certification mark that verifies that the fittings are in compliance with the

provisions of ANSI/NSF standard 14.

(3) PVC well casing joints shall be formed utilizing a 2-step solvent cementing

process that is consistent with the provisions of ASTM specification F 480-90. The

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pipe ends shall be free of burrs, dust, or moisture that might interfere with the solvent

weld. A primer or welding solvent shall be used before cementing. The primer, welding

solvent, and solvent cement shall be compatible with the pipe being coupled and the

ambient temperature at the time of use and shall be in compliance with the provisions of

R 325.1640.

(4) Screws or similar mechanical fasteners shall not be used for joining PVC well

casing.

(5) PVC well casing joints which are not of a bell end configuration or are not made

utilizing a 2-step solvent cementing process shall be approved, in writing, by the

director before use.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1631d Construction of wells; examination of pipe.

Rule 131d. Pipe which is intended for water well use and which is sold within the

state, regardless of specification designation, shall be subject to random examination

by the director. Any lot of pipe that contains defective lengths or lengths which are

not in compliance with the specifications required in these rules shall not be used in

the construction of a well.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1632 Construction of wells; casing diameter, depth, termination, and

installation procedures.

Rule 132. (1) Steel pipe that is used as permanent casing shall have an inside

diameter of not less than 2 inches, except as provided in R 325.1632a.

(2) PVC pipe that is used as permanent casing shall have an inside diameter of

not less than 5 inches, except if the pipe is installed as liner pipe. PVC well casing

shall be installed only in an oversized borehole without driving.

(3) A casing shall extend not less than 25 feet below, and terminate not less than 12

inches above, the ground surface. A well that has less than 26 feet of casing shall not be

used without obtaining written approval from the health officer pursuant to the

provisions of R 325.1613.

(4) The top 25 feet of a well casing shall not be used as a suction line unless the well

casing is protected by a standard weight or heavier outer casing. The top of both

casings shall be finished pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1641 and R 325.1643.

(5) A driven steel permanent casing shall be protected by a drive shoe.

(6) In a paved area, the health officer may approve, in writing, a casing

termination of 2 inches or more above the ground surface if the area is not subject to

flooding, if the connections and openings are threaded or welded and watertight, and

if acceptable casing venting is provided.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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R 325.1632a Construction of wells; driven well points.

Rule 132a. (1) Steel pipe that is used as permanent casing for a driven well point

shall not be less than 1 1/4 inches inside diameter.

(2) A driven well point shall not be used as a water supply well without the written

approval of the health officer.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1633 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1633a Construction of wells; grouting.

Rule 133a. (1) Shale traps, cementing baskets, packers, or other devices must not be

used to suspend grout above an open annular space. Excessive development, washing,

shoveling of cuttings, or other similar activities must not be used to induce collapse of the

borehole wall or to reduce the amount of open annular space surrounding a permanent

casing.

(2) Neat cement or bentonite grout must be placed through the permanent casing or a

grout pipe from the bottom of the annular space upward to the ground surface in a

continuous operation without interruption. The density of grout flowing from the annular

space at the ground surface must be the density of the grout being pumped in.

(3) A permanent casing must be installed in a borehole that has a diameter of not

less than 2 inches larger than the nominal size of the permanent casing, except as

provided in subrule (4) of this rule and R 325.1635.

(4) When grout is placed through a grout pipe outside the permanent casing, the

borehole diameter must be not less than 2-7/8 inches larger than the nominal casing size.

(5) An annular space between a permanent casing and temporary casing must be

grouted during temporary casing removal by pumping neat cement or bentonite grout, or

by pouring bentonite chips, bentonite pellets, or granular bentonite, into the annular

space. Granular bentonite must not be poured into an annular space that contains drilling

fluid or water.

(6) Neat cement must be allowed to set a minimum of 24 hours when standard type

I, type IL, type Ia, type ILA, high-early type III, or type ILHE cement is used. If

bentonite is added to neat cement, the grout must be allowed to set a minimum of 48

hours before drilling operations are resumed.

History: 1994 AACS; 2023 MR 10, Eff. May 26, 2023.

R 325.1634 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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R 325.1634a Construction of wells; grouting rotary-bored or augered wells.

Rule 134a. (1) A well that is constructed by rotary, auger, or other drilling method

where the permanent casing is placed in an oversized borehole shall be grouted with

neat cement or bentonite grout, pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1633a, the entire

length of the casing. If a well screen is installed, the annular space shall be grouted from

a point not more than 10 feet above the top of the well screen up to the ground

surface.

(2) The depth of grouting may be decreased by the health officer pursuant to

the provisions of R 325.1613(2)(f).

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1635 Construction of wells; grouting driven casing wells.

Rule 135. A well that is constructed by cable tool, hollow rod, jetting, or other

drilling method where the permanent casing is driven shall be grouted pursuant to

either of the following provisions:

(a) Where temporary casing or oversized borehole is not used or where the

temporary casing or oversized borehole is less than 25 feet in depth, dry granular

bentonite shall be maintained around the permanent casing as it is being driven.

(b) By installing a temporary casing or oversized borehole not less than 3 inches

larger than the nominal size of the permanent casing and extending not less than 25

feet below the established ground surface and grouting the annular space surrounding

the permanent casing pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1633a.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1636 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1637 Construction of bedrock wells.

Rule 137. (1) Where bedrock is encountered within 25 feet of the ground surface,

an oversized borehole shall be drilled and the permanent casing shall be grouted with

neat cement for a minimum depth of 25 feet.

(2) In an area where a well can be developed only in fractured, jointed, or cavernous

bedrock, the casing may terminate in the formation if there is not less than 25 feet of soil

above the bedrock, if there is no record of the bedrock containing contaminated water,

and if geologic conditions offer no natural direct surface or near surface water inlets

into the bedrock aquifer. Where there is less overburden and deeper strata will not

produce potable water, the well owner shall obtain written approval from the health

officer for water treatment and well construction features that are necessary to provide a

safe supply.

(3) Hydraulic fracturing of bedrock is not permitted without the prior written

approval of the health officer.

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History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1637a Verification of well grouting.

Rule 137a. Where the department or health officer determines that any of the

following conditions exist, the well drilling contractor may be required to excavate

the well head for inspection:

(a) A visible open annular space surrounding a well casing.

(b) Failure to detect, using a soil probe, excavation, geophysical logging, or

other methods, grout 2 feet or more below the water service line connection to the

casing.

(c) Placement of tracer dye around the casing at or near the ground surface with

subsequent detection of the dye in the well water.

(d) Receipt of a well log which indicates that the well has not been grouted or

which lacks information or contains incomplete information pertaining to grouting of

the well.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1638 Construction of flowing artesian wells.

Rule 138. (1) A well that is constructed in a location where flowing artesian

conditions are encountered or are expected to occur shall be grouted to protect the

artesian aquifer, prevent erosion of overlying geologic materials, and confine the flow

to within the casing.

(2) Flowing well discharge control shall be provided to conserve groundwater

and to prevent the loss of artesian head by preventing or reducing continuous

discharges, unless a deviation is issued pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1613. Flow

control shall consist of valved pipe connections, watertight pump connections, a

receiving tank that is set at an altitude corresponding to that of the artesian head, a

flowing well pitless adapter, a packer, or other method approved by the health officer. A

flow discharge pipe, where installed, shall not be directly connected to a sewer or other

source of contamination.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1639 Construction of wells; well screens; lead packers, lead plugs,

lead wool and certain drilling fluids prohibited; requirements for steel pipe used

as screen riser pipes, blanks, or tailpipes; well pumping rate; temporary

capping; well alignment; drilling water; requirements when using chlorine or

other well rehabilitation chemicals.

Rule 139. (1) A water supply well that is installed in unconsolidated sand and

gravel aquifers shall ordinarily be fitted with a screen that has openings which are

properly sized so that the aquifer can be properly developed to produce sand-free

water at the pumping rate of the permanent pump. A well screen, where installed on a

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casing that is less than 4 inches inside diameter, shall be telescoped and removable,

except for a driven well point that is installed pursuant to the provisions of R

325.1632a.

(2) Lead packers, lead plugs, or lead wool shall not be used as a well component.

(3) Drilling fluids or additives that contain guar gum or other biodegradable

organic materials shall not be used during the drilling of a well.

(4) Steel pipe that is used as well screen riser pipes, blanks, or tailpipes shall be

in compliance with the minimum weight, dimension, and material standards for well

casing that are listed in the provisions of R 325.1626 and R 325.1627.

(5) A new, repaired, or reconditioned well shall be developed and pumped to waste

at a pumping rate which equals or exceeds that of the permanent pump, until the water is

as clear as is reasonably possible considering the groundwater conditions in the area.

The permanent pump shall not be used to develop the well without the owner's consent.

(6) Temporary capping of a well until the pumping equipment is installed shall be

provided to prevent contaminants from entering the well.

(7) A well shall be sufficiently straight and vertical to allow normal installation and

operation of the pump.

(8) Water that is used for drilling purposes, other than water from the well itself,

shall be potable water that contains a free chlorine residual of not less than 10 parts per

million at the time of use and shall be conveyed in containers that are clean and

capable of being maintained in a clean condition. Surface water shall not be used for

drilling purposes unless it is obtained from a municipal water supply system.

(9) When chlorine is placed into a water supply system pursuant to the provisions

of R 325.1661 or when well rehabilitation chemicals are used, the well drilling

contractor or pump installer shall provide notification to the well owner or building

occupants or shall make the system inoperable during the treatment period.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1640 Certification of water well components.

Rule 140. (1) Water supply system components that are in contact with groundwater

must be free of materials that may adversely affect the aquifer or water pumped from the

well and must not support microbiological growth.

(2) After the effective date of this rule, an individual shall not use the following

water well components unless they are in compliance with or surpass ANSI/NSF standard

14, 60, or 61, ASTM specification C 150, ASTM Specification C 595, or section 10 of

API specification 10, as adopted by reference in R 325.1610:

(a) Drilling fluids, grouts, and casing sealing materials.

(b) Additives to drilling fluids, grouts, and casing sealing materials.

(c) Pipe joint compounds, thread cutting oils, gasket sealants, or coatings on steel

pipe.

(d) Solvent cements, primers, cleaners, or other compounds that are used with PVC

pipe.

(e) Bladders, diaphragms, coatings, or lining materials that are in contact with water

in a pressure or storage tank.

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(f) Chemicals that are used for the development, maintenance, treatment,

disinfection, or rehabilitation of a water well, except for sodium hypochlorite or calcium

hypochlorite.

(3) Acceptable water well components under ASTM specification C 595 are limited

to the classification of product commonly known as Type IL-Portland-limestone cement.

History: 1994 AACS; 2023 MR 10, Eff. May 26, 2023.

R 325.1641 Abovegrade well casing connections.

Rule 141. An abovegrade connection into the top or side of a well casing shall be

not less than 12 inches above the ground surface and shall be constructed to exclude

dirt or other foreign matter, through 1 or more of the following methods, as applicable:

(a) A threaded connection.

(b) A welded connection.

(c) A rubber expansion sealer.

(d) Bolted flanges with rubber gaskets.

(e) A weathertight, vermin-proof well cap.

(f) Extension of the casing at least 1 inch into the base of a power pump mounted

on and sealed to a concrete pedestal.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1642 Belowground well casing connections.

Rule 142. (1) A connection to a well casing that is made below the ground, or

less than 12 inches above the ground surface, shall be protected by approved

threaded or welded joints or by an approved pitless adapter. A belowground connection

shall not be submerged in water during installation.

(2) Clamp-on, saddle-style pitless adapters shall have both gaskets pressurized by

water from the pump so that any water leakage will be from the pressure system

outward. A pitless adapter shall provide complete clearance within the internal

diameter of the casing and shall vent the casing if required by the provisions of R

325.1657. A person shall not install a pitless adapter that has not been approved, in

writing, by the department.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1643 Well casing seals and connections; other methods.

Rule 143. Any other method of connection to a well casing shall be approved in

writing by the director before installation.

History: 1979 AC.

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R 325.1651 Construction of room housing pumping equipment or well

casing; location of pump or pumping equipment in single-family dwelling

permitted; access required for repair and maintenance of water supply system

components.

Rule 151. (1) A room that houses pumping equipment or the top of a well casing

shall be constructed above the ground surface; however, the room may be located

below grade if it is a basement offset as defined in R 325.1601a(1).

(2) A pump or pumping equipment may be located within a crawl space beneath

a single-family dwelling if the space does not accumulate water.

(3) A pump room, basement offset, crawl space, or well house shall provide

access for maintenance or repair of the water supply system components.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1652 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1653 Pump construction, installation, design, and maintenance.

Rule 153. (1) A pump shall be constructed so that there are no unprotected

openings into the interior of the pump or well casing.

(2) A power driven pump shall be attached to the casing or approved suction or

discharge line by a watertight connection or shall have a base plate that is in compliance

with the provisions of R 325.1641.

(3) A pump shall be designed, installed, and maintained so that priming is not

required for ordinary use.

(4) Plastic pump drop pipe shall be in compliance with the material requirements

for water service lines pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1655(2). Flexible or coiled

plastic pipe, when used as submersible pump drop pipe, shall not have splices. Plastic

pump drop pipe shall not be used with a packer-jet assembly.

(5) Submersible pump motor lubricants and vertical turbine shaft lubricants

shall be USDA- or FDA-approved food contact grade formulations.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1653a Pump installation; hand pumps.

Rule 153a. (1) A hand pump, hand pump head, hand pump stand, or similar device

shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of R 325.1653, shall provide

for venting pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1657, and shall have a closed

downward-directed spout and a sealed pump rod packing assembly.

(2) A hand pump shall be attached to a steel well casing or standpipe by sealed

flange or other method approved by the department. The flange shall be not less than 6

inches above a concrete slab or the ground surface. An annular space between a

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standpipe and a well casing shall be sealed in accordance with the provisions of R

325.1641 or with materials listed in subrule (5) of R 325.1603.

(3) Where a well casing functions as a hand pump cylinder wall, the plunger shall

be not less than 25 feet below the ground surface. A casing wall weep hole is not

permitted.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1654 Pump installation; water suction lines.

Rule 154. (1) A water suction line shall be constructed of copper, galvanized

steel, plastic pipe or other material that is approved, in writing, by the director.

(2) A water suction line that is outside the well casing shall be protected by

utilizing 1 or more of the following methods:

(a) By fully exposing the line and by situating the line not less than 12 inches

above the floor of an approved basement, basement offset, or pump room.

(b) By fully exposing the line above ground surface.

(c) By situating the line within an outer casing with the annular space filled with

water from the system and maintained at system pressure.

(d) By surrounding the line by air space in a straight rigid conduit which does not

have joints and which has positive drainage by gravity to the ground surface or to an

approved basement, basement offset, or pump room, with the conduit directly

connected to the well casing by a threaded or welded watertight joint. The openings into

the casing shall be welded watertight or shall be sealed in accordance with the

provisions of R 325.1641 to R 325.1643 and the total length of the suction line that is

protected by the gravity drained conduit shall not be more than 20 feet.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1655 Pump installation; water service lines.

Rule 155. (1) The buried portion of a water service line between the well casing

and the pressure tank in any installation shall be under positive pressure at all times.

If a check valve is installed in the water line between the well casing and the pressure

tank, the water line between the well casing and the check valve shall be in

compliance with the requirements for a suction line pursuant to the provisions of R

325.1654.

(2) Plastic water service line material shall have a minimum rated working

pressure of 160 pounds per square inch, shall be in compliance with ASTM

specification D 2239-89, D 2737-89, D 2662-89, D 2666-89, D 1785-91, or D 2241-

89, which specifications are adopted by reference in R 325.1610.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1656 Pump installation; pressure tanks.

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Rule 156. (1) A pressure tank shall be installed in an approved pump room, well

house, crawl space, basement offset, or basement.

(2) A totally buried pressure tank may be used if the manufacturer's unit has been

approved, in writing, by the director as to its design, type of material, and specification

for its installation.

(3) If a pump is capable of developing water pressures greater than the

manufacturer's rated working pressure of the pressure tank, a pressure relief valve shall

be installed near the pressure tank.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1656a Pump installation; venting of gases.

Rule 156a. Toxic or flammable gases that are present in the groundwater shall be

vented from the water supply system. The vent shall discharge to the outside atmosphere

where the gases will not be a hazard. A health officer or the department shall be

consulted for proper identification or treatment of gases.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1657 Pump installation; vents.

Rule 157. (1) A casing vent shall be provided on all well caps and seals, except

for those used on deep well, single pipe-packer jet installations, or on flowing wells

where the flow rate is greater than the pumping rate of the permanent pump. A vent

shall be screened, pointed downward, and terminate not less than 12 inches above the

ground surface or above the floor of an approved basement, basement offset, or pump

room, and at a point not less than 24 inches above any known flood level. Vents may be

offset if they are in compliance with the provisions of this rule. Vents shall be in

compliance with the minimum sizes listed in table 4.

Table 4

Minimum Well Casing Vent Sizes

Casing

Inside Diameter

(Inches)

2

Circular

Vent Diameter

(Inches)

¼

½

¾

1

4

5 or 6

8 or larger

(2) Vent screening shall be not less than 20-mesh per inch and not more than 30-

mesh per inch screen. Screening shall not reduce the vent open area by more than 50%.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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R 325.1657a Pump installation; well caps and seals.

Rule 157a. Well caps and seals shall be weathertight and vermin-proof, provide

venting pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1657, and be tightly secured to the well

casing.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1658 Pump installation; sampling faucets.

Rule 158. Provision shall be made for the collection of water samples by installing a

downturned faucet, not less than 8 inches above the floor, in a convenient location at the

pressure tank or as near to the well as possible.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1661 Disinfection of well and pumping equipment.

Rule 161. (1) After thoroughly pumping to waste pursuant to the provisions of

R 325.1639(5), a well and pumping equipment shall be disinfected with chlorine

that is applied to obtain

a

chlorine concentration and minimum contact period

specified in table 5 in all parts of the water supply system before pumping the well to

waste and flushing out the chlorine solution. A well drilling contractor or pump

installer shall be responsible for chlorinating that portion of the water supply system on

which work has been performed.

Table 5

Minimum Chlorine Concentration and Contact Time

Amount of Chlorine Added to

100 Gallons of Water

Pounds of

Chlorine

Minimum

Concentration

Gallons of 5.25%

Dry

Calcium

Contact

Sodium Hypochlorite

Hypochlorite

(Parts per Million) (Liquid Bleach)

(Granular)

Time

100 ppm

250 ppm

500 ppm

1000 ppm

1/4 gal

0.14 lbs

0.35 lbs

0.70 lbs

1.40 lbs

10 hr

4 hr

2 hr

1 hr

1/2 gal

1 gal

2 gal

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(2) Before placing a new, repaired, or reconditioned water supply system into

service, and after all traces of chlorine have been flushed out, 1 or more water samples

shall be collected from the sampling faucet. Organisms of the coliform group shall not be

present in the sample or samples.

(3) The water supply owner shall be responsible for collecting the water sample or

shall arrange for the owner's designated representative to collect the sample. The well

drilling contractor or pump installer shall notify the water supply owner of the owner's

responsibility for collecting the water sample.

(4) A well driller or pump installer is not required to redisinfect a well or pump as

a result of water samples that are collected from a location other than the sampling

faucet required pursuant to the provisions of R 325.1658.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1662 Abandoned wells and dry holes; persons responsible for

plugging; removal of debris and obstructions; wells taken out of service when

municipal water is installed.

Rule 162. (1) An abandoned well or dry hole shall be plugged by a well drilling

contractor who is registered pursuant to the provisions of the act or by the well owner.

An abandoned well that is located on property which has a well that serves the public or

a residence other than the well owner's residence, shall be plugged by a registered

well drilling contractor.

(2) A pump, a drop pipe, a packer, other equipment, debris, or obstructions

shall be removed from the well, if possible, before plugging.

(3) A well that is abandoned when municipal water is installed shall be plugged

pursuant to the provisions of these rules.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1663 Abandoned wells and dry holes; plugging method.

Rule 163. (1) An abandoned well or dry hole shall be plugged as follows:

(a) A well or dry hole that terminates in overburden shall be plugged by filling with

any of the following materials:

(i) Neat cement.

(ii) Concrete grout.

(iii) Bentonite chips.

(iv) Bentonite pellets.

(v) Bentonite grout.

(b) A section of a well or dry hole that is in bedrock shall be plugged by filling with

neat cement or concrete grout from the bottom of the well or dry hole to not less than 20

feet above the top of the bedrock or to the ground surface. The section of the well from

20 feet above the bedrock to the ground surface shall be plugged in accordance with the

provisions of subdivision (a) of this subrule.

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(2) Gravel, sand, stone aggregate, or other materials that are acceptable to the

department may be used for plugging that portion of a well that penetrates lost

circulation zones, such as gravel or cavernous, creviced, or fractured bedrock.

(3) The flow from an abandoned flowing well shall be stopped by plugging the well

with neat cement or concrete grout.

(4) Abandoned wells that discharge subterranean gases shall be plugged with neat

cement or concrete grout.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1664 Abandonment of wells; plugging materials.

Rule 164. Abandoned well or dry hole plugging materials shall be placed as

follows:

(a) Bentonite chips or bentonite pellets shall be poured slowly into the top of the

well or dry hole to prevent bridging in the casing or borehole. Fine bentonite particles

that accumulate in the shipping container shall not be used. The plugging operation shall

continue until the bentonite chips or bentonite pellets appear at the ground surface.

Upon completion of the plugging operation, water shall be placed into the casing or

borehole to promote expansion of the bentonite above the static water level.

(b) Neat cement, concrete grout, or bentonite grout shall be placed through a

tremie pipe from the bottom of the well or dry hole to the ground surface.

(c) Other materials and methods may be used if the materials and methods proposed

to be used will plug the abandoned well or dry hole to prevent them from acting as a

channel for contamination or the escape of subterranean gases and if prior approval is

given by a health officer.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1665 Plugging of dug wells and crock wells.

Rule 165. A large diameter dug well or crock well shall be plugged pursuant to

the provisions of R 325.1663 and R 325.1664 or may be plugged as follows:

(a) A layer of bentonite chips or bentonite pellets that is not less than 6 inches

thick shall be placed at the bottom of the well. The remainder of the well shall be

plugged by placing clean soil backfill in

layers that are not more than 10 feet thick, with a layer of bentonite chips or

bentonite pellets that is not less than 6 inches thick placed on top of each clean soil

backfill layer. Dry granular bentonite may be used

in place of, or in combination with, bentonite chips or bentonite pellets, and neat

cement or concrete grout may be poured if the well has been dewatered before

plugging.

(b) The uppermost section of concrete crock or tile or the upper 3 feet of stone,

brick, or other curbing material that supports the well bore shall be removed. Before

backfilling the well up to the ground surface, a layer of bentonite chips or bentonite

pellets that is not less than 6 inches thick shall be placed.

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History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1666 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1667 Plugging wells drilled by person other than property owner or

registered well drilling contractor.

Rule 167. A well that was drilled by a person other than the property owner or by

a person other than a well drilling contractor who is registered pursuant to the

provisions of the act shall be abandoned and plugged pursuant to the provisions of these

rules.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1668 Order to plug abandoned well or dry hole.

Rule 168. The department or a health officer may order a well owner or a registered

well drilling contractor to plug an abandoned well or a dry hole.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1669 Owner and contractor responsibility for plugging abandoned

wells.

Rule 169. (1) A well owner shall be responsible for the plugging of an abandoned

well, except as provided in a written contract between the owner and a registered well

drilling contractor.

(2) If a health officer or the department determines that a registered well drilling

contractor has improperly located or constructed a well, the well drilling contractor shall

be responsible for plugging the well.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1670 Temporarily abandoned wells.

Rule 170. (1) A temporarily abandoned well shall be in compliance with the

minimum construction and isolation distance requirements of these rules.

(2) A temporarily abandoned well shall be disconnected from any water

distribution piping and shall have the top of the casing securely capped to prevent the

entrance of surface water or foreign materials into the well and to prevent access to the

well.

History: 1994 AACS.

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R 325.1671 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1672 Storage reservoirs.

Rule 172. If a storage reservoir is used in a water supply system, plans for the

storage reservoir installation shall be submitted to the health officer and approval

obtained before installation of the reservoir. A storage reservoir shall be constructed

of materials approved by the department and shall be designed, operated, and

maintained in a manner to prevent the entrance of contaminants. For the purposes of

this rule, a storage reservoir does not include a pressure tank.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1673 Provision of notice of health hazard to person using

contaminated water supply.

Rule 173. An owner or occupant who uses a contaminated water supply or a supply

which, in the judgment of a health officer, represents a health hazard shall be notified,

in writing, by the health officer of the health hazard.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1674 Other water sources.

Rule 174. If a water well cannot be constructed in compliance with the provisions

of these rules due to hydrogeological limitations, a health officer may authorize the

use of an alternate water source. Plans, specifications, and monitoring, operating, and

maintenance procedures for the alternate water source shall be approved by the health

officer.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1674a Water supply cross-connections.

Rule 174a. (1) A physical connection between a water supply that is in compliance

with the requirements of these rules and another water supply that is not in compliance

with the requirements of these rules is prohibited.

(2) A yard hydrant that has a buried stop-and-waste valve shall not be installed on a

water service line or a branch of the service line. A stop-and-waste valve shall not

drain into a well.

(3) A water supply system shall be designed, operated, and maintained in a manner

that will prevent contamination from nonpotable liquids, solids, or gases from being

introduced into the water supply or aquifer through cross-connections or any other

piping connections to the water supply system.

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History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1675 Well records.

Rule 175. (1) Within 60 days of the date of completion of a well, a well drilling

contractor shall furnish the well owner with 1 copy and a health officer with 2 copies of

a well log that contains the information required on the form furnished by the director.

The health officer shall send 1 copy of the well log to the department of natural

resources within 30 days after the health officer receives the copies of the well log. A

well drilling contractor shall retain a copy of the well log.

(2) A well drilling contractor shall record the geologic material types and

thicknesses penetrated on a record that is kept at the well construction site. The

record shall be available for inspection during well construction.

(3) Within 60 days after plugging an abandoned well or dry hole, the person who

performed the plugging operation shall provide the department or local health

department with 2 copies of a report that sets forth all of the following information:

(a) The well owner's name.

(b) The location of the well.

(c) The well depth.

(d) The well diameter.

(e) The plugging procedure.

(f) The plugging material.

(g) The amount of plugging material used. Standard forms for the report shall be

provided by the department. When an abandoned well is plugged where a replacement

well will be or has beenconstructed, the plugging information may be recorded on the

well log that is submitted for the replacement well. Information on several abandoned

wells or dry holes within a single parcel may be submitted on a single well log form if

the geologic materials and plugging methods are similar.

(4) A well log shall be signed by a registered well drilling contractor.

(5) Where a well drilling contractor fails to submit a well log within 60 days of the

date of completion of a well or fails to maintain the drilling record pursuant to the

provisions of subrule (2) of this rule, the department or health officer may require

geophysical logging of the well to verify geologic materials and thicknesses of

geologic materials penetrated.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1676 Pump installation records.

Rule 176. (1) Within 60 days of the date of completion of a pump installation

upon a new well, a well drilling contractor or pump installer shall furnish the well owner

with 1 copy and a health officer with 2 copies of a pump installation record that

contains available information that is required on a form furnished by the director. The

health officer shall send 1 copy of the record to the department of natural resources

within 30 days after the health officer receives the copies of the pump record. A well

drilling contractor or pump installer shall retain a copy of the pump record. All of the

following data shall be provided on the form:

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(a) The type of pump installed (jet, submersible, reciprocating, hand-operated,

or other type).

(b) The pump capacity in gallons per minute.

(c) The length of drop pipe.

(d) The horsepower of the pump motor.

(e) The pump model number.

(f) The pump manufacturer's name.

(2) A pump record shall be signed by a registered well drilling contractor or by a

registered pump installer.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

PART 2. DRILLING CONTRACTORS' AND PUMP INSTALLERS'

REGISTRATION

R 325.1701 Qualifications.

Rule 201. An applicant who is applying for registration pursuant to the provisions

of the act shall meet all of the following requirements, as applicable:

(a) Have not less than 2 years of well drilling experience and have completed not

less than 20 wells for registration as a well drilling contractor or have not less than 2

years of pump installation experience and have completed not less than 20 pump

installations for registration as a pump installer. Well drilling experience shall have been

acquired under the supervision of an active Michigan registered well driller and pump

installation experience shall have been acquired under the supervision of an active

Michigan registered well driller or pump installer. The experience shall have been

obtained within the past 5 years.

(b) Be not less than 18 and have completed high school or submit proof of

equivalent education. Up to 4 years of work experience may be substituted for

equal years of education; however, this shall be in addition to the experience

requirement in subdivision (a) of this rule.

(c) Be of good moral character, as defined and determined pursuant to the

provisions of Act No. 381 of the Public Acts of 1974, being §338.41 et seq. of the

Michigan Compiled Laws.

(d) Provide proof of work experience as required in R 325.1701a.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1701a Proof of work experience.

Rule 201a. (1) Proof of an applicant's work experience in the well drilling or

pump installation field shall be documented by submitting all of the following to the

department:

(a) Well logs or pump records to demonstrate completion of not less than 20 water

wells by a well driller applicant and not less than 20 pump installations by a pump

installer applicant. The records shall be true and accurate photocopies of those records

initially submitted by the supervising contractor to satisfy the requirements of section

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12707 of the act. The records shall demonstrate completion of work by the applicant

over a period of not less than 2 years and not more than 5 years.

(b) A chronological work history, on a form furnished by the department, that

documents all work performed in the well drilling or pump installation field.

Before submitting the work history form to the department, an applicant shall submit

the work history form for review to the local health department that has jurisdiction in

the area in which the applicant has worked.

(c) Notarized reference letters, on a form provided by the department, from not less

than 2 persons who are not related to the applicant and who can attest to the applicant's

work experience and ability to perform the work of a well driller or pump installer. At

least 1 reference letter shall be completed by a person who is registered pursuant to the

act in the same category as the applicant.

(d) Any of the following which verifies that the applicant has acquired the

minimum experience and which identifies the applicant's occupation as a well driller or

pump installer and states the name of applicant's employer:

(i) Federal W-2 income tax withholding forms or equivalent income tax filing

forms.

(ii) Paycheck stubs.

(iii) Employers' payroll records.

(iv) Workers' compensation insurance records.

(v) Health insurance records.

(vi) Any combination of the items listed in paragraphs (i) to (v) of this

subdivision.

(2) Documentation of completion of an apprenticeship training program