Iowa Admin. Code r. 567-49.8

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

Rule 567-49.8 - Types of well construction

(1)Drilled wells.

a.Drilled wells in unconsolidated materials.

(1) Depth. In no case shall less than 20 feet of permanent casing be installed in wells drilled in unconsolidated materials. If the alluvial aquifer where the water is to be drawn from is covered by less than 40 feet of low permeability materials, the well screen shall be set at the bottom of the water-bearing aquifer or at least 60 feet from the surface. (Deeper depths may be required if nitrate contamination is excessive.) If more than 40 feet of low permeability materials are present above the aquifer, the casing shall extend down at least to the top of the aquifer.

(2) Grouting. Grout shall be placed to a minimum depth of 40 feet or along the full length of the casing where less than 40 feet of casing is set. Grouting the full length of the casing below 40 feet may be necessary to isolate any contaminated water lenses or aquifers. If a layer of low permeability material at least 5 feet thick is encountered less than 40 feet from the surface, the grout may be terminated no less than 5 feet below the top of this low permeability material, but in no case less than 20 feet from the ground surface. Grout must be placed in accordance with 49.9(3), except when driving casing. When driving casing a #8 mesh bentonite or bentonite grout must be maintained around the outside of the casing. The bottom of driven casing must be equipped with a drive shoe.

(3) Annular space. The diameter of the borehole shall be at least 3 inches greater than the outside diameter of the well casing to the minimum grouting depth. When steel well casing pipe is installed using percussion methods, the annular space shall be at least 5 inches greater than the outside diameter of the well casing to a minimum depth of 25 feet.

(4) If the depth of casing is greater than 40 feet, the annular space below 40 feet may be filled with heavy drilling fluid taken from the borehole as long as the top 40 feet of annular space is properly grouted. In this case, the annular space below 40 feet shall be kept as small as possible to avoid settling.

b.Drilled wells in consolidated material.

(1) Minimum casing depth. Casing shall extend to a depth of at least 40 feet and be seated in firm rock. When the uppermost bedrock consists of creviced limestone or dolomite that does not produce water, the casing shall extend through the creviced formation, be seated in firm rock and be properly grouted.

(2) Grouting. For bedrock wells, full-length grouting of the casing is strongly recommended. Grout shall be placed to a minimum depth of 40 feet in accordance with 49.9(3), except when driving casing using percussion or casing-hammer/rotary drilling. When driving casing, #8 mesh bentonite or bentonite grout must be maintained around the outside of the casing. The bottom of driven casing must be equipped with a drive shoe. If a layer of low permeability material at least 5 feet thick is encountered less than 40 feet from the surface, the grout may be terminated no less than 5 feet below the top of this low permeability material, but in no case less than 20 feet from the ground surface. Where local conditions warrant, the administrative authority may require more extensive grouting to protect any aquifer(s) that are penetrated.

(3) Annular space. The borehole shall be at least 3 inches greater than the outside diameter of the well casing for the upper 40 feet or the minimum grouting depth. When steel casing pipe is installed using percussion, or casing-hammer/rotary methods, the annular space shall be at least 5 inches greater than the outside diameter of the well casing to a minimum depth of 25 feet. When bedrock wells are full-length pressure-grouted through the casing, the borehole diameter shall be 3 inches larger than the outside diameter of the casing for the minimum depth of at least 25 feet.

(5) In fractured rock, where circulation of slurry cannot be maintained, grouting may be done with bentonite chips. The chips shall be hydrated with one gallon of water per bag of bentonite.

(2)Bored and augered wells in unconsolidated materials. For bored or augered wells with concrete or clay tile casings at least 18 inches in diameter, buried-slab construction is required.

a.Casing. The concrete or vitrified clay pipe casing shall be terminated not less than 10 feet below ground surface and extend to a minimum depth of 20 feet. The casing shall be fitted with a reinforced concrete or steel plate into which a watertight steel or thermoplastic casing is firmly imbedded in or connected to a pipe cast or welded into the plate. This casing shall be at least 5 inches in diameter and shall extend from the plate to not less than 12 inches above established grade or the 100-year flood level, whichever is higher. A pitless adapter shall be installed below frost depth on the newly installed plastic or steel casing.

b.Backfilling annular space. A 12-inch grout seal shall be poured over and around the plate. The annular space between the steel or thermoplastic casing and the borehole shall be backfilled with clean compacted soil free of debris or large organic material. During the backfilling process, the earth shall be thoroughly tamped to minimize settling. Grading around the well shall then be accomplished in accordance with subrule 49.7(2).

(3)Driven and direct push wells. Sandpoint wells are typically constructed in sandy areas with a high water table. Groundwater in these areas is often susceptible to contamination. This type of construction is not recommended for potable water supply. Sandpoint wells shall meet the requirements of this chapter except for casing depth and grouting requirements.

(4)Flowing artesian wells. Drilling operations shall extend into but not through the formation confining the water. The casing shall then be installed and the annular space full-length pressure-grouted and allowed to set. After the grout is set, the drill hole shall be extended into the confined water-bearing formation. Flow control from the well shall be provided by valved pipe connections or a receiving tank set at an altitude corresponding to that of the artesian head. Under no circumstances shall the water flow uncontrolled to waste. A direct connection between the discharge pipe and a receiving tank, sewer, or other source of contamination is prohibited.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 567-49.8