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.

(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.

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(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.

(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.

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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.

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

clay, that overlies bedrock.

History: 1994 AACS; 2023 AACS.

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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).

(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.

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(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.

(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.

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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."

(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.”

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(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 AACS.

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.

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)

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(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:

(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.

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(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.

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

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

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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.

(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,

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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.

(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.

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(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.

(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

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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

(Inches)

Weight

Weight/

Lbs.

Per Ft.

Wall

Outside

Plain

Threaded/

Thickness

Diameter

Schedule End

Couplings

(Inches)

1 1/4 Std./40 2.27 2.30

1 1/2

2

2 1/2

3

3 1/2

4

5

6

8

10

.140 1.660 1.380

2.72 2.75

3.65 3.75

5.79 5.90

7.58 7.70

"

.145 1.900 1.610

.154 2.375 2.067

.203 2.875 2.469

.216 3.500 3.068

.226 4.000 3.548

.237 4.500 4.026

.258 5.563 5.047

.280 6.625 6.065

.322 8.625 7.981

9.11 9.25

10.79 11.00

14.62 15.00

18.97 19.45

28.55 29.35

40.48 41.85

.375 12.750 12.000

54.57 57.00

62.58 65.30

70.59 73.00

78.60 81.00

.365 10.750 10.020

12 Std. 49.56 51.15

14

16

18

20

24

"

.375 14.000 13.250

.375 16.000 15.250

.375 18.000 17.250

.375 20.000 19.250

94.62

-

.375 24.000 23.250

* 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

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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.

Table 2

Minimum Number of Passes

for Welding Steel Casing

Pipe Diameter Minimum Number

(inches)

passes

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

Thickness

(inches)

Outside Diameter

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(inches)

.167

SDR 21 SDR 17

.140

.206

2 Liner Pipe 2.375

3 Only 3.500

4 4.500

.113

.214

.265

5 5.563

6 6.625

8 8.625

.265

.316

.410

.327

.390

.508

10 10.750

12 12.750

14 14.00

.511

.632

.750

--

.606

.667

.762

16 16.00

--

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.

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(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 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

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connections and openings are threaded or welded and watertight, and if acceptable casing

venting is provided.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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 AACS.

R 325.1634 Rescinded.

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History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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.

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

the health officer.

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 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.

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(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.

(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 AACS.

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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.

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.

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(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 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.

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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.

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.

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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 Circular

Inside Diameter Vent Diameter

(Inches)

2

4

¼

½

¾

5 or 6

8 or larger 1

(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.

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.

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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

Gallons of 5.25%

Dry Calcium Minimum

Contact

(Granular)

Concentration Sodium Hypochlorite Hypochlorite

(Parts per Million) (Liquid Bleach)

Time

100 ppm 1/4 gal 0.14 lbs 10 hr

250 ppm 1/2 gal 0.35 lbs 4 hr

500 ppm 1 gal 0.70 lbs 2 hr

1000 ppm 2 gal 1.40 lbs 1 hr

(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.

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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.

(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.

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(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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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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:

(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.

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(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 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 established by

the Michigan well drillers association or a similar industry organization may be accepted

in place of the proof of work experience that is required in subrule (1) of this rule, if the

training program has been approved by the department and the advisory board created by

the act.

History: 1994 AACS.

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R 325.1702 Grandfather clause.

Rule 202. A well driller or pump installer who filed a prequalification experience record

with the director before May 1, 1967, may, upon application filed by April 30, 1994, be

registered without meeting the educational qualifications and without taking the written

examination, if the well driller or pump installer has been continuously employed in the

water well trade.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1703 Submission of applications.

Rule 203. (1) An application for an initial or renewal registration shall be made to the

department on the form prescribed and provided by the department.

(2) An application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed by the act, which shall be

in the form of a bank draft, check, or money order payable to the state of Michigan. An

application filed without the prescribed fee shall not be reviewed by the department until

the fee is paid.

(3) A renewal application shall be submitted by March 1 of each year to permit time for

issuing the renewal certificate by May 1, as required by the act.

(4) The completed initial application, proof of work experience as required in R

325.1701a, and registration and examination fees as required in the act and these rules shall

be submitted to the director not less than 60 days before the date of the examination. Failure

to meet this time deadline shall result in the applicant being scheduled for the next

examination.

(5) A person who operates a well drilling or pump installation business shall file a

certificate of assumed name with the department.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1704 Advisory board's evaluation of applicants.

Rule 204. The advisory board that is created by the act shall carefully evaluate an

applicant for registration and forward its advice to the director.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1705 Rescinded.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1705a Out-of-state applicants.

Rule 205a. An applicant who is not a resident of Michigan, but who is licensed or

registered to engage in the business of well drilling or pump installing in the applicant's

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state of residence, is eligible for registration in Michigan if all of the following

requirements are met:

(a) The applicant submits to the department proof of current licensure or registration in

the applicant's state of residence.

(b) The applicant is in good standing in the state in which the applicant is licensed or

registered.

(c) The applicant meets the requirements of R 325.1701, R 325.1701a, and R 325.1703,

with the following exceptions:

(i) A reference letter from a Michigan registered well driller or pump installer is not

required. At least 1 reference letter from a well driller or pump installer who is licensed in

the applicant's state of residence and who is not a relative of the applicant shall be

submitted.

(ii) The chronological work history form shall be reviewed by the agency that is

responsible for regulating water well construction in the applicant's state of residence.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1706 Examinations.

Rule 206. (1) After meeting the application requirements in these rules, an applicant shall

satisfactorily complete an examination that is administered by the advisory board created

by the act. The examination may be any combination of written, oral, or practical work.

(2) A candidate who fails to pass the examination may apply for reexamination after

completing an industry training course that is approved by the department and the advisory

board created in the act. A reexamination shall be granted upon payment of a fee of $25.00.

(3) An applicant may inspect the examination in the office of the department during

normal business hours within 60 days after the applicants are notified of examination

results.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1707 Denial of applications.

Rule 207. (1) An initial application for registration may be denied for any of the following

reasons:

(a) Failure of the applicant to meet the work experience, education, and character

qualifications of registration.

(b) Deliberately providing false or misleading information in the application package or

failure to complete the application package.

(c) Offering payment to a person who is registered pursuant to the provisions of the act

for completing a reference letter or an affidavit.

(d) Violation of sections 12701 to 12715 of the act, a rule or construction code

promulgated pursuant to the act, or an order issued pursuant to the provisions of section

12709 of the act.

(e) Conviction in any civil or criminal proceeding or failure to comply with a judgment

or order that is issued by the court in connection with any matter related to the conduct

necessary to provide the services of a well drilling contractor or pump installer.

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(2) When an initial or renewal application for registration is denied, the department shall

give written notice of the denial to the applicant and shall state the reason for the denial.

Within 30 days of the denial, the applicant may request reconsideration of the application

at an informal conference and a contested case hearing before the director. A contested

case hearing that is requested by the applicant shall be held pursuant to the provisions of

Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being §24.201 et seq. of the Michigan

Compiled Laws.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1707a Suspension or revocation of certificate; denial of renewal application.

Rule 207a. A certificate of registration may be suspended or revoked and an application

for renewal of a certificate of registration may be denied for any of the reasons listed in R

325.1707 or for any of the following reasons:

(a) Failure to complete the renewal application.

(b) Violation of the stipulations contained in a consent agreement issued pursuant to the

provisions of Act No. 306 of the Public Acts of 1969, as amended, being §24.201 et seq.

of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(c) Conviction in any civil or criminal proceeding or failure to comply with a judgment

or order that is issued by the court in connection with well drilling or pump installation

activities.

(d) Failure to pay civil monetary penalties that are assessed pursuant to the provisions of

section 2262 or 2461 of the act.

(e) Deliberately providing false or misleading information on a well log or in a reference

letter or affidavit for another person who is applying for registration pursuant to the act, or

accepting payment for completing a reference letter or affidavit.

(f) Having obtained a certificate of registration through fraud or misrepresentation.

(g) Aiding or abetting an unregistered person to evade the provisions of the act or these

rules, allowing one's certificate of registration to be used by an unregistered person, or

acting as an agent, partner, or associate of an unregistered person with the intent to evade

the provisions of the act or these rules.

(h) Failure to respond to a written inquiry from the department regarding a written

complaint filed with the department against the registrant.

History: 1994 AACS.

R 325.1708 Initial certificate; nontransferability; content; renewal certificate;

content; notice of change in applicant information; notice of loss of registered

contractor representative.

Rule 208. (1) The initial certificate that is issued to a registered well drilling contractor or

registered pump installer is nontransferable, shall be suitable for framing, and shall contain

all of the following information:

(a) The name of the registrant.

(b) The business name.

(c) The date of issuance.

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(d) The expiration date.

(e) The registration certificate number.

(f) The signature of the director.

(2) A renewal certificate shall consist of a registration card, in duplicate, and shall contain

all of the following information:

(a) The name of the registrant.

(b) The business name.

(c) The expiration date.

(d) The registration certificate number.

(e) The signature of the director.

One section of the card shall be kept with the original registration certificate and a copy

shall be carried by the person who represents the registered contractor.

(3) Within 30 days of any changes in the information on the application that is submitted

to the department, a registrant shall inform the department of the changes.

(4) Within 10 days of the loss of the sole registered contractor representative, a firm,

partnership, or corporation shall notify the department of the loss. The firm, partnership,

or corporation may continue to engage in the business of well drilling or pump installation,

if a qualified individual applies, within 30 days of the loss of the representative, to take the

next scheduled registration examination on behalf of the firm, partnership, or corporation

or if another registered contractor is employed within 30 days of the loss of the

representative. If the applicant fails to successfully complete the examination or if a

registered contractor is not employed, the firm, partnership, or corporation shall

immediately cease operating in the well drilling or pump installation field.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1709 Reinstatement of expired and revoked certificates.

Rule 209. (1) A registration certificate that has expired for failure of the registrant to apply

and pay renewal fees may be reinstated by the director as follows:

(a) If within 2 years of the date of expiration of the certificate, upon receipt of a renewal

application, advice of the advisory board, and payment of renewal registration fees for each

year during which registration had expired in accordance with the fee and penalty schedule

set forth in the act.

(b) If after 2 years of the date of expiration of the certificate, upon successful completion

of the examination in accordance with provisions of R 325.1701, R 325.1701a, R 325.1703,

R 325.1705a, and R 325.1706.

(2) A holder of a certificate of registration that has been revoked in accordance with the

act, after a waiting period of not less than 1 year after the registration certificate was

revoked, may petition the director for a hearing for reinstatement of the registration

certificate. The hearing shall be granted only upon a showing by the petitioner that

reasonable grounds exist for the hearing. Reasonable grounds shall include correction of

the conditions upon which the revocation was based and assurance that such conditions

will not reoccur.

(3) The registration certificate shall be reinstated only upon the recommendation of the

director and successful completion of the written examination specified in R 325.1706.

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History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1711 Public representations and advertising.

Rule 211. (1) A person shall not cause any word or words to be used in any contract,

business form, document, sign, display, or other advertising medium which indicate or

imply that a person, firm, partnership, or corporation is engaging in the business of well

drilling, as defined in R 325.1606, or in the installation of pumps and pumping equipment,

as defined in R 325.1604, unless that person, firm, partnership, or corporation has obtained

a certificate of registration from the department.

(2) A person who is registered pursuant to the provisions of section 12704 of the act shall

not use, in any contract, business form, document, sign, display, or other advertising

medium, a name other than the name that is filed with the department or a registration

number other than the registration number that is issued by the department.

History: 1994 AACS.

PART 3. DRILLING MACHINES AND SERVICE VEHICLES

R 325.1721 Well drilling machine registration.

Rule 221. (1) A drilling machine registration card shall be issued for each drilling machine

that is registered by a well drilling contractor. The card shall be carried on the drilling

machine at all times where it may be inspected at any reasonable hour upon a request by

the department representative or a health officer. The card expires on April 30 each year.

(2) The registration card and duplicate seals that are furnished for a drilling machine are

not transferrable. The card and seals shall be returned to the department when a drilling

machine is sold, traded, or otherwise disposed of. A registration card and 2 new seals for a

drilling machine that is sold, traded, or otherwise disposed of will be provided without cost

upon receipt of the old card, the 2 old seals, and an application that requests authorization

to operate a different drilling machine.

(3) Registration of a well drilling machine by the department does not exempt a person

from any applicable federal, state, or local vehicle registration requirements or from

payment of applicable road taxes, license plate fees, or vehicle registration fees.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

R 325.1722 Identification on well drilling machines and service vehicles.

Rule 222. A person who is registered pursuant to the act shall place the registration

number, including the county number for the business location, and the business name and

address, in letters and numbers not less than 2 inches high, in a conspicuous location on

both sides of each well drilling machine and service vehicle.

History: 1979 AC; 1994 AACS.

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PART 4. DEWATERING WELLS

R 325.1741 Applicability of part 4.

Rule 241. (1) This part applies to construction, operation, and abandonment of dewatering

wells and pump installations, except that the exemption in section 2 of the act is construed

to mean a dewatering well where the inside casing diameter is not more than 2 inches and

the total depth of the casing and well point is not more than 25 feet.

(2) A shallow sump installed for the purpose of removing water that has collected in an

underground excavation or water that may seep into a sump, equipped with a low lift pump

to remove the water which would enter or interfere with the excavation, is not considered

a dewatering well and is exempt from these rules if the sump is:

(a) Constructed within the limits of the excavation.

(b) Not more than 8 feet below the specified excavation elevation.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1742 Location and general construction.

Rule 242. (1) A dewatering well shall be located to accomplish the temporary dewatering

process, and shall be constructed and maintained to prevent surface water and other known

sources of pollution from entering the well.

(2) The location of all existing underground structures and utilities shall be determined

before any construction to prevent damages or hazards.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1743 Casings.

Rule 243. (1) The wall thickness of the casing of a dewatering well shall be selected to

withstand the forces expected to be exerted on the well casing during installation and

removal.

(2) The casing shall extend not less than 12 inches above the working grade. The top of a

casing shall be capped or covered in a manner to prevent entry of extraneous objects and

to serve as a safety measure as long as the casing remains in place. When flooding is

imminent, precautions shall be taken to prevent the entry of flood water into the casing.

However, the casing on a well point system may extend less than 12 inches above grade

when a closed piping collection network is used under vacuum and the closed piping is

maintained to prevent surface waters from entering the well points.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1744 Well screens and drilling water.

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Rule 244. (1) A dewatering well contractor shall select the well screen. However, material

and construction of the screen shall be sufficiently strong and durable so that the screen

may be readily removed intact from the dewatering well.

(2) Water used for drilling purposes shall be obtained preferably from a municipal water

system or a well. Water from any other source shall be clean and be chlorinated to a free

chlorine residual at the point of discharge into the well. When drilling water is transported

to the well site, clean sanitary containers shall be used. An exception may be made to the

requirement of chlorinating water used for drilling a dewatering well for legitimate reasons

relating to water source, use of the well, site location, aquifers being penetrated or other

justifiable reasons, and shall be obtained in writing from the department for each project.

Water from a shallow surface pond which is generally polluted, turbid, and contains algae

or other microscopic plants and animals shall not be used for drilling purposes.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1746 Filter material.

Rule 246. Filtering material shall be clean and free of deleterious materials and placed so

as to eliminate debris and surface water from entering the well during placement. After

placement the ground surrounding the well casing shall be mounted to divert surface waters

away from the well casing.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1748 Flowing artesian aquifers.

Rule 248. A dewatering well in an aquifer under an artesian head requires special

installation practices. A dewatering well contractor shall take necessary precautions if he

encounters a flowing artesian aquifer that flows above working grade, to prevent

unreasonable waste of the water and to prevent damage of nearby properties or

watercourses or both. Methods of construction and abandonment shall be determined in

pre-construction conference with all concerned parties, including the consulting engineer,

and shall be approved in writing by the department.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1751 Pump discharge and suction lines.

Rule 251. (1) A discharge line of a dewatering well shall leave the well above working

grade. A pump in a dewatering well shall be installed in a manner that will permit

discharging water above the working grade. Approval in writing shall be obtained from the

department for a belowground discharge connection to a dewatering well casing.

(2) A suction line or header pipe and well points of a dewatering system shall be

maintained to prevent surface water from entering the aquifer.

History: 1979 AC.

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R 325.1752 Electrical connections.

Rule 252. Electrical connections to the pumping equipment shall be made in accordance

with applicable electrical codes and shall be made in a manner that protects the safety and

welfare of workers and the public from possible electrical shock.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1753 Gases and mineralized water.

Rule 253. (1) If toxic or flammable gases are present the health officer shall be notified

immediately and special construction features shall be used. The gas shall be vented not

less than 8 feet above working grade to minimize the explosive hazard and remove the gas

from direct human contact. The well casing shall be sealed tight to assure that all gas is

exhausted through the vent. R 325.1764 and R 325.1766 prescribe plugging procedures for

a dewatering well containing gas.

(2) Where the water resources commission, consulting engineer, municipality, or other

governmental unit involved in the dewatering project determines that disposal of

contaminated water or water with a high mineral content or dissolved or entrained gases

creates a problem, the department may make additional requirements.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1755 Pump operation.

Rule 255. Water pumped from a dewatering well shall be conveyed to a natural

watercourse in a manner that does not cause damage to abutting property, create a hazard,

or cause silting in the receiving stream. This water is not considered potable and shall not

be used for drinking or domestic purposes. The pumping water level in a dewatering well

shall be maintained at the minimum possible depth below the ground surface that will

dewater the excavation. Duration of operation shall also be regulated by the contractor to

minimize time of pumping to the period actually needed to dewater the excavation

effectively. The contractor, consulting engineer, and the owner of the construction project

for which the dewatering wells are being drilled shall give due consideration as to what

effect lowering the groundwater table will exert on existing wells.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1761 Abandonment and plugging.

Rule 261. Plugging of an abandoned dewatering well shall be accomplished by 1 of the

procedures set forth in R 325.1762 and R 325.1763.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1762 Wells 40 feet or less below grade.

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Rule 262. A dewatering well used in conjunction with underground construction or

building excavation when the dewatering well is not more than 40 feet below the working

grade shall be plugged as provided in this rule except dewatering wells covered by R

325.1763. At the time the filter material is added, the well shall be backfilled from a depth

of not less than 7 feet below the working grade to the working grade with an inorganic

parent soil material encountered within the upper 7 feet. A finer textured inorganic soil

shall be used when substituted for the parent material. The plugging shall be completed

after the casing and screen are removed from the dewatering well by adding and

compacting additional inorganic parent material naturally occurring in the upper 7 feet or

with finer textured soils in the excavation remaining at the site due to slumping of the filter

material. These soils shall be added in a manner to prevent future slumping and assure that

the drill hole shall remain filled to the working grade. Where 1 or more dewatering wells

are deeper than 40 feet in depth, plugging procedure prescribed in R 325.1763 shall be used

on all wells penetrating the deeper aquifer. Exception to this plugging procedure may be

requested and a written decision reached through a conference with the department.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1763 Deep wells; tunnels; relief and municipal wells.

Rule 263. (1) A dewatering well deeper than 40 feet below the working grade, a

dewatering well used in conjunction with tunnel construction or a well used as an artesian

pressure relief well and all dewatering wells located within 500 feet of a municipal well

site shall be plugged during construction as prescribed in this rule. The annular space

between the bore hole and the casing shall be backfilled at the time the filter material is

added with a mixture of 4 pounds of bentonite to each cubic foot of fine textured inorganic

soil, upward from a minimum depth of 10 feet below the working grade. The bentonite and

fine textured inorganic soil shall be thoroughly mixed at the time of backfilling.

(2) The following chart relates bore hole diameter to volume and quantity of bentonite

needed per foot of bore hole.

Boring Gallons per Cu. ft. per Pounds bentonite*

diameter 1 foot of depth 1 foot of depth per 1 foot of depth

12 inches 5.9 0.8 3.2

18 inches 13.2 1.8 7.2

24 inches 23.5 3.1 12.4

30 inches 36.7 4.9 19.6

36 inches 52.9 7.1 28.4

42 inches 72.0 9.6 38.4

* Based on 4 pounds bentonite per cubic foot of excavation.

(3) The plugging shall be completed after the casing and screen are removed from the

dewatering well by backfilling the hole with a mixture of 4 pounds of bentonite to each

cubic foot of fine textured inorganic soil for a distance of not less than 5 feet of the bore

hole. The bentonite and fine textured inorganic soil shall be thoroughly mixed at the time

of backfilling. A minimum of 142 pounds of bentonite shall be used in backfilling a 36-

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inch diameter hole and a minimum of 62 pounds of bentonite in a 24-inch diameter hole.

The plugging shall be completed by adding and compacting additional inorganic parent

material or fine textured soils. These soils shall be added in a manner to prevent future

slumping and assure that the drill hole shall remain filled to the working grade. Approval

in writing shall be obtained from the department prior to instituting any modifications in

the plugging requirements of this rule.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1764 Plugging in special situations.

Rule 264. The method of abandonment of a dewatering well installed in the situations

described in R 325.1765 and R 325.1766 or other special situations shall be determined

after considering the requirements of all parties concerned and shall be approved in writing

by the department. The procedures shall be used as a general guide and may be modified

by the department after a conference of concerned parties.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1765 Artesian flows and bedrock.

Rule 265. (1) A dewatering well terminated in aquifers under sufficient head to provide a

flow above the working grade shall be sealed with neat cement grout or other method

approved by the department to contain completely the flow caused by the artesian head.

(2) A dewatering well penetrating bedrock shall have the part of the well drilled into the

bedrock formation sealed with neat cement grout. The plugging shall be completed by a

layer of neat cement grout extending at least 15 feet above the top of the bedrock. Neat

cement grout shall be added from the bottom of the hole upward in 1 continuous operation,

as the casing is removed.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1766 Water of poor chemical quality or producing methane.

Rule 266. (1) A dewatering well that produces water which is sufficiently contaminated

or high in mineral content to constitute a significant hazard to lakes, streams or to

groundwater aquifers by direct infiltration or inter-aquifer migration, shall be filled and

sealed, with the method of abandonment being determined by a conference.

(2) A dewatering well that is producing methane gas at the time the well is to be filled

and sealed shall be plugged with neat cement grout with the precise procedure determined

by a conference.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1768 Dewatering well drilling records.

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Rule 268. A dewatering well contractor shall furnish the health officer 2 copies and the

contractor responsible for abandoning the dewatering well 1 copy, and shall retain 1 copy

for his files, of a well record containing such available information as is required on the

dewatering well record form. Data obtained during the dewatering well drilling activities

shall be reported on a form furnished by the department or such other form approved by

the department. For 1 project location, information on all holes with similar geologic

formation may be submitted on a single well record form. However, an individual record

shall be provided for a dewatering well drilled into bedrock, or other dewatering well that

produces methane gas or produces water which is contaminated or high in mineral content

or artesian flow above working grade. The dewatering well drilling contractor may

substitute soil boring records for the construction project in lieu of submitting dewatering

well drilling records if all dewatering wells are less than 40 feet in depth.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1771 Registration qualifications.

Rule 271. After April 1, 1974, a person who represents a dewatering well contractor or

dewatering well pump installer, except for those qualified under R 325.1772, shall meet

the following minimum requirements for registration under the act:

(a) At least 2 years of experience in his respective field in underground contracting with

supervisory or actual field experience in this state relating to the drilling of at least 20

dewatering wells for a drilling contractor and 20 pump installations for a pump installer.

(b) Completion of the tenth grade in high school or submission of proof of equivalent

ability demonstrated by successful completion of approved short courses or written

examination. The board may accept up to 4 years of work experience for equal years of

education, in addition to the subdivision (a) experience requirement.

(c) Reference statements from 2 persons, 1 of whom shall be registered as a dewatering

well drilling or pump installer contractor under the act and familiar with the applicant's

work experience, honesty, integrity, and ability to perform the work of a dewatering well

drilling or pump installer contractor, shall be submitted before advisory board approval to

take the examination.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1772 Grandfather clause.

Rule 272. An individual who is a member or employee of a registered dewatering well

drilling or pump installing firm, with a minimum of 2 years' experience in his respective

field of work before April 30, 1974, and who files by April 30, 1975, a record of experience

and background with the department on a form prepared for this purpose, may be registered

upon application. This individual shall be registered without meeting the educational

qualifications and without taking the written examination if he has been employed

continuously in the dewatering well trade.

History: 1979 AC.

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R 325.1773 Submission of applications.

Rule 273. An application for an initial or renewal registration shall be made to the

department on forms prescribed by it. An application shall be accompanied by the fee

prescribed by the act in the form of a bank draft, check or money order payable to the state

of Michigan. A renewal application shall be submitted by March 1 of each year to permit

time for issuance of the renewal certificate by May 1 as required by the act. The initial fee

shall be refunded to an applicant not qualified to take the examination.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1774 Advisory board review.

Rule 274. The advisory board created by the act shall evaluate an applicant for registration

carefully with the assistance of a representative from the dewatering well drilling industry

and forward its advice to the department. The board may conduct oral interviews and

require affidavits or other supporting evidence to determine qualification of an applicant.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1775 Examinations.

Rule 275. A person representing a dewatering well contractor or pump installer may take

the examination only after fulfilling all requirements in the rules and having approval of

the advisory board. He shall satisfactorily complete an examination covering various

aspects of dewatering well operations before being registered under section 5 of the act.

This examination may be any combination of written, oral, or practical work administered

by the advisory board. A candidate failing to pass the examination may apply for

reexamination at the expiration of 6 months.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1776 Denial of applications.

Rule 276. An application for initial or renewal registration may be denied for any of the

following reasons:

(a) Failure to accompany the application with the prescribed fee.

(b) Failure of the applicant to meet the experience and education qualifications of

registration.

(c) Other good and sufficient cause after due notice and proper hearing.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1777 Certificates; initial; renewal; limited.

Rule 277. (1) The initial certificate issued to a registered dewatering well drilling

contractor or pump installer shall be nontransferable and contain the names of the

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contractor and representative, date of issuance, expiration date, certificate number, and

signature of the director.

(2) A renewal certificate shall consist of a registration card in duplicate containing the

names of the contractor and representative, expiration date, certificate number, and

signature of the director. One

section of the card shall be kept with the original registration certificate and a copy shall

be carried on the person representing the registered contractor.

(3) The initial and renewal certificates shall authorize a registered dewatering well

contractor to participate in all dewatering well activities, but he is limited to dewatering

well installations and related operations, including pump installation for dewatering

installations and abandonment of dewatering wells. A registered dewatering well pump

installer is limited to pump installations, operation, and abandonment of dewatering wells.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1778 Reciprocity.

Rule 278. The secretary of the advisory board shall obtain requirements for registration

in the state from which an applicant requests reciprocity as either a registered dewatering

well drilling contractor or pump installer and confirm that the applicant was in fact

registered.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1779 Reinstatement of lapsed, suspended, and revoked certificates.

Rule 279. (1) A registration certificate which has expired for failure of the registrant to

apply and pay renewal fees may be reinstated by the department:

(a) Within 3 years, upon receipt of a renewal application, with the advice of the advisory

board, and payment of renewal registration fees for each year during which registration has

lapsed in accordance with the fee and penalty schedule in the act.

(b) After 3 years, after examination in accordance with the rules for new applicants.

(2) A holder of a certificate of registration which has been suspended or revoked in

accordance with the act, after a waiting period equal to the period of suspension, but not to

exceed 9 months after the registration certificate was suspended or revoked, may petition

the director for a hearing for reinstatement of his registration certificate.

History: 1979 AC.

R 325.1781 Dewatering well drilling machine registration.

Rule 281. (1) A drilling machine registration card shall be issued for identification

purposes for each drilling machine registered by a dewatering well drilling contractor. The

card shall be carried on the drilling machine at all times where it may be inspected at any

reasonable hour upon request of an authorized representative of the department or health

officer. The registration card expires on April 30 each year.

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(2) The registration card and duplicate seals furnished for a dewatering well drilling

machine are not transferable. The card and seals shall be returned to the director when a

drilling machine is sold, traded, or otherwise disposed of. A registration card and 2 new

seals for a drilling machine so transferred will be provided without cost upon receipt of the

old card, the 2 old seals, and an application requesting authorization to operate a different

drilling machine.

History: 1979 AC.

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