R655-4-16. Pump Installation and Repair

  16.1 Pump installation practices. All pump installations shall be completed in such a manner as to prevent waste and contamination of groundwater by pollution material entering the well from pumping equipment, casing connectors, fittings, piping, sanitary seals or caps.

  16.2 Surface Seal. If in the process of pump installation or repair, the well's surface seal is disturbed or damaged, it shall be repaired and resealed in accordance with the standards provided in Subsection R655-4-11(11.4).

  16.3 Tools, Equipment, and Materials. Down-hole tools and equipment used in performance of pump installation and repair shall be cleaned, disinfected, and free of contamination prior to placement in a well. All tools, drilling equipment, and materials used to drill a well shall be free of contaminants prior to beginning pump-related work. Contaminants include lubricants, fuel, bacteria, etc. that will reduce the well efficiency, and any other item(s) that will be harmful to public health and/or the resource or reduce the life of the water well. It is recommended that excess lubricants placed on equipment be wiped clean prior to insertion into the well. Thread Compounds, Sealants, and Lubricants must not exceed the maximum contaminant levels for chemicals, taste, and odor. The licensee shall use pump-related tools and equipment properly so as not to permanently damage the well or aquifer.

  16.4 Disinfection. Following completion of pump installation and repair work on a well, the well, pump, and in-well discharge piping shall be properly disinfected in accordance with Subsection R655-4-11(11.6.5).

  16.5. Product, material, and Process Standards. Any product, material or procedure designed for use related to pump installation and repair of water production or non-production wells, which has received certification and approval for its intended use by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) under ANSI/NSF Standard 60 or 61, the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) may be utilized. Other products, materials or procedures may also be utilized for their intended purpose upon manufacturers certification that they meet or exceed the standards or certifications referred to in this section and upon state engineer approval. Organic substances shall not be introduced into the well or borehole during pump installation and repair work.

  16.6 Surface Completions. Pump installers shall leave the well surface completion upon completion of pump installation/repair work in accordance with the standards in Subsection R655-4-11 as it pertains to casing stick up, steel/PVC casing extensions, sanitary capping and venting, and protective casings. Upon completion, all wells shall be equipped with a watertight, tamper-resistant casing cap or sanitary seal.

  16.7 Flowing Artesian Wells. In accordance with Subsection R655-4-11(11.4.3.5, artesian wells that flow naturally at the surface, the well shall be equipped with a control valve so that the flow can be completely stopped. The control valve must be available for inspection by the state engineer at all times.

  16.8 Seals Between Casings. If the well is constructed of multiple casing strings at or near the ground surface and if a pitless adapter/unit is installed, the standards of Subsection R655-4-11(11.5.5) shall be employed to ensure proper sealing between casings is maintained.

  16.9 Water Level and Flow Measurement. Following pump installation and repair work, the well shall be left in such a manner to allow for access to water level measurements in accordance with R655-4-11(11.7.2). After pump installation and repair work is completed on a well, the static water level should be measured after which a test should be performed to determine the rate at which groundwater can be reliably produced from the well. Pumping water level should be measured and recorded during this test. Static water level and well testing information shall be noted on the official submittal of the Pump Log by the pump installer or well driller.

  16.10 Surface Security. If it becomes necessary for the pump installer to temporarily discontinue operation on a well before completion or otherwise leave the well unattended, the well must be covered securely to prevent contaminants from entering the casing and rendered secure against entry by children, vandals, domestic animals, and wildlife.

  16.11 Above-grade connections. An above-grade connection into the top or side of a well casing shall be at least eighteen inches (18") above the land surface and shall be constructed so as to exclude dirt or other foreign matter by at least one of the following methods, as may be applicable:

  (A) Threaded connection;

  (B) Welded connection;

  (C) Expansion sealer;

  (D) Bolted flanges with rubber gaskets;

  (E) Overlapping well cap; or

  (F) If a water well pump is mounted or sealed on a concrete pedestal, the casing shall extend at least to the top of the pedestal and at least eighteen inches (18") above the land surface.

  16.12 Pitless Connections. Pitless adapters and units shall be installed in accordance with the standards set forth in Subsection R655-4-11(11.7.5). Pitless adapters shall be installed below the frost line. A below-ground connection shall not be submerged in water at the time of installation. Holes cut in the casing through which the pitless adapters are installed must be sized and constructed so as to guarantee a watertight seal with the pitless adapter in place.

  16.13 Backflow Protection. When a check valve or foot valve is not a part of the pump, a check valve or back-siphon prevention device shall be installed on the pump discharge line within the well or beyond the well to eliminate the opportunity for contaminated water to backflush into the well. Such device must be designed to direct or isolate the water flow to prevent water in the distribution line from running back down the well during removal or repair to the pump and pumping equipment. When a flow meter is installed on a well the meter must be located downstream from the backflow preventer and be placed in accordance with manufacturer spacing specifications.

  16.14 Hand Pumps. Hand pumps shall be of the force type equipped with a packing gland around the pump rod, a delivery spout which is closed and downward directed, and a one-piece bell-type base which is part of the pump stand or is attached to the pump column in a watertight manner. The bell base of the pump shall be bolted with a gasket to a flange which is securely attached to the casing or pipe sleeve.

  16.15 Pumping Water Level. In a screened or perforated well, the well pump setting and suction inlet shall be located so that the pumping level of the water cannot be drawn below the top of the screen.

  16.16 Pump and Column/Drop Pipe Removal. During any repair or installation of a water well pump, the licensed installer shall make a reasonable effort to maintain the integrity of ground water and to prevent contamination by elevating the pump column and fittings, or by other means suitable under the circumstances.