Basic Information
Learn about the types of drinking water wells, common contaminants, and other resources by clicking on the links below:
|
Drinking Water Wells |
Common Contaminants |
| Test Your Water | Other Resources |
There
are two state agencies that have regulations pertaining to construction
specifications for water supply wells. The Wyoming State Engineer's
Office provides well design requirements in the Regulations and
Instructions, Part III, Water Well Minimum Construction Standards. The
Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division (WDEQ/WQD)
does not regulate the construction of domestic (private) wells, but it
is highly recommended that the well construction design complies
with Chapter 26 and Chapter 12,
Section 9 of Wyoming Water Quality Rules and Regulations to prevent
groundwater contamination. Learn more about well construction
by reading the
Rural Wellhead Protection Fact Sheet "Well
Construction"
Well owners should be aware of the potential contaminants that could impact their drinking water. Groundwater can be contaminated by natural processes, by waste disposal practices, and by spills or leaks. A contaminated water supply is unsafe to use without treatment even though you may have used the same water for years without getting sick. Consuming polluted groundwater could cause illness, especially in infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people whose immune systems are compromised. The contaminants listed below are common in Wyoming and could cause long or short-term health problems.
MethaneFor more information on contaminant sources, review the Rural Wellhead Protection Fact Sheet "Contaminant Sources"
Return to "Basic Information" main website
Return to "Know Your Well" main website
Test Your Water
DEQ
recommends that you test your drinking water. As a private well owner,
you are solely responsible for the quality of your drinking water. It is
up to you to decide when and how to test your water. Testing is
recommended when there is an unexplained illness in the household or
there are changes in color, taste, or odor of the water. At a minimum,
your water should be tested every year for bacteria, the most common
water quality problem.
Return to "Basic Information" main website
Return to "Know Your Well" main website
US Environmental
Protection Agency Private Drinking Water Wells
EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791
wellowner.org
Water Systems Council
Wyoming Conservation
Districts
State of Wyoming Engineer's Office
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry
Return to "Basic Information" main website
Return to "Know Your Well" main website