Water Well

  Water Well Consumer Guide
This 36-page booklet was created to give consumers important information about their water well. 

Click here for online copy

Hiring a Contractor
Illinois requires a contractor to be licensed to drill, install a pump or service a water well. The Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Codes dictate construction. Permits for modification and well construction are also required. 

A properly constructed and serviced private water well system is an asset to your property and will provide many years of return on your investment.  Before you start drawing up plans for your new dream house, make sure of the quantity and quality of the groundwater in the area.  

A contractor should never be selected by price alone.  There area a number of issues you should keep in mind when selecting a contractor.

1. Ask to see the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued license and confirm that it is current. 
2. Get more than one bid.
3. Bids should be in writing and include a description of the proposed work (e.g., expected well depth, unit rates, extra services) and an estimate of the total cost.
4. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you sign a contract and before any work is begun.
5. Ask for expectations of water quantity and quality for the area.
6. Does the contractor offer maintenance and repair services?
7. Get a signed agreement in writing if there are any changes in the work and cost.
8. Asking for references and industry member affiliations is always helpful.
9. The local health department is an additional resource to help you evaluate a contractor and to understand the groundwater resources in the area.
10. Pay promptly when the work is completed as described in the agreement.
     

    Illinois license numbers 092 - signify drillers 101 – signify pump installers 102 - signify combination of both license

FAQ about Water Wells

By law, when a water well is no longer used to supply water, within 30 days after nonuse, it must be sealed.  The Illinois Water Well Construction Code provides detailed rules on how that is to be done that can apply to small diameter residential, commercial or large municipal wells. 
Well Abandonmen & Groundwater Protection