Md. Code Regs. 26.04.04.21

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 26.04.04.21 - Construction Standards-Upper Terminal of Well

A. Except as provided for in this regulation, the following construction techniques for upper terminals for potable water supply wells are prohibited:

(1) Use of buried well seals, or other devices, including a buried "sanitary well seal" to cap wells below ground surface and provide access for electrical cable or water pipes; and

(2) All pits, including frost pits, which are holes or depressions in the ground surrounding casings, in which all pumping and other equipment subject to freezing is emplaced

B. All wells shall be extended at least 8 inches above final grade.

C. In areas where flooding is likely to occur, including 100-year flood plains and coastal areas, the casing shall terminate at least 24 inches above finished ground surface or pump house floor

D. Pitless Adapters or Pitless Units Required

(1) Pitless adapters or pitless units shall be installed on all water supply wells except:

(a) Wells enclosed in an above-grade pump house;

(b) Wells for a public water supply if enclosed in a below-grade pump house or water treatment facility that conforms to regulations of the Department concerning public water supply system design; or

(c) For suction lift systems where the well casing is 2 inches in diameter or less and used as a suction line a standard plumbing tee may be used as a pitless adapter

(2) All pitless adapters and pitless units shall:

(a) Be of a type approved by the National Sanitation Foundation International;

(b) Meet the standards of the Water Systems Council; or

(c) Be approved by the Approving Authority.

(3) Exemptions. Irrigation wells with a terminal 2 feet above grade and fitted with a ventless sanitary well cap are not required to have a pitless adapter or pitless unit installed

E. Proper Installation of Pitless Adapters or Pitless Units.

(1) The well casing or pitless adaptor or pitless unit shall be located at least 8 inches above the finished ground surface or pump house floor if located inside of a building.

(2) Connections of the Pitless Adapter or Pitless Unit.

(a) Connections of the pitless adaptor or pitless unit to the well casing and the lateral connections from it shall be watertight.

(b) A metal-cutting hole saw shall be used to construct the pitless adapter hole in the casing.

(c) Cutting the pitless adapter hole in the casing by using an acetylene torch is not permitted.

(d) All burrs resulting from the cutting operation shall be removed.

(e) Both outside and inside surfaces of that portion of casing surrounding the pitless adapter hole shall be made smooth.

(3) A pitless adapter or pitless unit shall be installed in conformance with the depth of water service pipe requirements of the applicable State or county plumbing code.

F. Well Caps.

(1) All wells shall be capped with one of the following:

(a) A watertight, screened vented cap;

(b) A watertight cap; or

(c) The base of a pump motor, provided that, to prevent the entrance of vermin and debris:

(i) The motor mount provides a watertight seal; and

(ii) If venting is required, the vent is screened.

(2) All well caps shall:

(a) Meet one of the following requirements:

(i) Comply with the standards of the National Sanitation Foundation International or the Water Systems Council; or

(ii) Be a type approved by the Approving Authority; and

(b) If screws, nuts, and bolts are used in them they must be stainless steel.

(3) The electrical conduit access shall be plugged if the pump is not installed.

G. In areas where flooding is likely to occur, including 100-year flood plains and coastal areas, wells shall be fitted with flood resistant caps.

H. Flowing Artesian Wells.

(1) All wells, including a flowing artesian well, may not be allowed to run water to waste.

(2) A flowing artesian well shall be fitted with a watertight cap or be fitted with a valve to stop the flow of water.

I. Access Port for Water Level Measurement. The Department, through a special condition in a Water Appropriation and Use Permit, may require that any well be equipped with an access port for water level measurements.

J. For irrigation wells where the pumping equipment is installed and removed every season the well shall be capped as follows:

(1) A sanitary well seal may be used when the pumping equipment is installed; and

(2) A watertight or screen-vented cap shall be used when the pumping equipment is not installed.

Md. Code Regs. 26.04.04.21

Regulations .21 adopted effective 42:1 Md. R. 19, eff.1/15/2015