Fact Sheet
Performing Well Surveys
Background
Requirements exist in Illinois and federal regulations1 to identify potable water
wells in relation to facilities or sites to ensure that these wells are
accurately identified and located so impacts and potential impacts from soil or
groundwater contamination can be identified. The techniques described in this fact sheet will apply
to certain Illinois EPA Bureau of Water sites and to Bureau of Land remedial
programs and Resource Conservation and Recovery (RCRA) Permits. Remedial or
permit applicants or potentially responsible parties (PRPs) should research
individual program requirements to ensure compliance.
Much of the information for indentifying wells can now be accessed through
Illinois EPA's web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) database in the
Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). An additional requirement is to
contact the public water supply to indentify properties that receive water from
the public supply. Implementation of these techniques will provide the
level of detail necessary to make informed decisions to protect well users.
Why does the Illinois EPA require water well surveys?
When a site is being investigated for contamination, it is necessary to know
whether site-related contaminants have affected the groundwater (or may affect
it in the future) and, further, whether those contaminants threaten any public or
private drinking water supply before decisions can be made about cleanup
activities or other site actions.Do the research techniques apply to cleanup sites under
review by different Illinois EPA cleanup programs?
The basic techniques discussed here are required to perform a well survey.
However, the search distances for specific potable wells from a given site may
vary depending on program-specific rules, so be sure to consult the program
rules. If groundwater contamination has exceeded the Tier 1 remediation
objectives of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 742 or applicable Groundwater Quality Standards
at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620 as measured or modeled off-site, the survey area of
water supply wells is expanded based on the actual or modeled groundwater plume.
What sources should be researched
for location of potable wells?
To identify community water supply wells and other potable wells (private,
semi-private and non-community water supply wells) within applicable distances
as defined by the appropriate program regulations, the following sources should
be contacted:
- Illinois EPA, Division of Public Water Supplies;
- Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS);
- Illinois State Water Survey;
Illinois Department of Public Health or delegated county/local health
department; and
- The local water supply entity to determine what areas/ properties are
served by the community water supply.
Please note: The first four contacts listed above may be sufficient
for well surveys submitted to the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program
(Leaking UST) by making use of the SWAP - GIS database system.
1
Standards and Requirements for Potable Water Supply Well Surveys (35 Ill. Adm.
Code 1600.210);
Leaking Underground Storage Tank regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Codes 732 and 734);
Site Remediation Program (35 Ill. Adm. Code 740.425(b)(2)(D));
RCRA Permit regulations (35 Ill. Adm. Code 703.183(s)(9);
35 Ill. Adm. Code 703.184(a)(3)); and the
National Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300.430(d)).
What information is available on the Illinois EPA’s web-based GIS system?
This system shows locations of all community and non-community water supply wells.
In addition, the system includes the ISGS database of private and semi-private drinking
water wells that have been provided to the Illinois Surveys. The GIS system is
the most complete electronic
database available. It also shows setback zones and regulated recharge areas
for community water supply wells.
How do I obtain access to the web-based GIS files?
Users must complete a confidentiality agreement. Please contact the Bureau
of Water Freedom of Information Act officer by
email or by calling 217/782-8482. The
GIS web page may also be used to find well locations.
How should the water
well survey results be reported?
The following should be submitted:
- Maps at an appropriate scale showing:
- Locations of community and other potable water wells;
- Extent of the measured and modeled contamination plume; and
- Locations and extent of any regulated recharge areas and wellhead
protection areas (setback zones),
- Tables showing the setback zone and recharge area for each potable water
well;.
- Narrative identifying field observations, persons contacted, and sources of
information used; and
- Certification by an Illinois-licensed Professional Engineer or
(if regulations allow) by a Professional Geologist .
Are there other survey methods that might be used to identify wells?
Yes. Door-to-door interviews with residents, mailing or placing door-hangers
asking for a response about potable well locations, and windshield surveys are
additional means of obtaining information about potable wells at given
locations. These may become necessary when measured or modeled groundwater
contamination threatens off-site private wells.
When might a physical well survey be conducted?
The Agency may determine that a physical survey is necessary when there is
reason to believe that potable wells (that were not identified as part of
the above data search) exist near a site and may be threatened by
contamination from a site. Circumstances that could trigger
a more in-depth, physical survey include:
-
The local water supply entity does not provide water to a residence/business, but the
data search does not reveal a well;
- Wells are identified in a given area but not all residences/ businesses are accounted
for and their water source is unclear;
or
- Other site-specific situations.
For more information:
Technical questions about GIS web site:
Joe Konczyk. Bureau of
Water, Division of Public Water Supplies.
Well Survey Rules in Right-to-Know Rules at Title 35, Subtitle O, Ch.1, Part
(1600.200):
Revised December 2009
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