Guide for Approval of Well Sites
Where Should I site my well?
After determining there are no available public water sources able to serve your parcel, you may be able to develop a new source.
The following information is a brief outline of considerations.
Prior to drilling your individual or public water system well, the proposed site must be approved.
Individual water sources must be inspected and approved by either the Island County Public Health or a driller licensed by the Department of Ecology.
Public water sources must be inspected and approved by Island County Public Health.
Setbacks and other requirements regarding well location include:
¨ The well site should be located on the highest ground possible, up-slope from potential contamination sources
¨ The well site should be protected from normal flooding and surface or subsurface drainage.
¨ You must have the right to exercise complete sanitary control of the land in a 100 foot radius around the well. Control can be gained through ownership in fee simple or through other legal provision such as recorded covenants.
¨ Maintain the greatest possible setback for the shoreline to mitigate seawater intrusion concerns.
¨ The following minimum distances must be maintained (please see WAC 173-160-171) for a complete list):
· Well to septic tank – 100 feet
· Well to edge of septic system absorption field—100 feet.
· Well to privies—100 feet.
· Well to sewer line—100 feet.
· Well to sewage or manure lagoon—100 feet.
· Well to solid waste landfill—1,000 feet
· Well to county road or state highway right-of-way—100 feet.
Greater setback distances may be required by the Health officer based on geological and hydrological data or local water quality trends.
Public water systems, and individual wells serving parcels of less than five acres are subject to review under the Seawater Intrusion Protection Code. Please contact Doug Kelly for more information regarding seawater intrusion.
Note: Any well site approval may require drilling test wells to prove the existence of an adequate water supply.
For information on existing wells, ground water availability, and water quality information or other specific requirements please contact: Vin Sherman, Jill Wood, or Doug Kelly