NR 812 Revisions – Key Well Construction-Related Changes

To all licensed drillers and pump installers, 

Changes to NR 812 – Wisconsin’s well and pump code - are coming soon!

Revisions to chapter NR 812, Wisconsin Administrative Code (NR 812) are expected to go into effect on July 1, 2020. DNR is sending weekly email communications on specific topics to all drillers and pump installers. This week, we focus on several key changes to well construction requirements.

Six key changes to well construction requirements:

1. Methods - The revised NR 812 consolidates separate requirements for rotary and percussion methods to allow for new well construction methods. You will no longer find references to rotary and percussion drilling methods – instead the construction standards are performance-based. The goal of this change is to achieve proper construction results regardless of drilling methods, rather than prescriptive rules on drilling techniques.  
2. Problem wells - The revised NR 812 clarifies contractor-required actions and sets specific timelines for response.
   • For total coliform-positive wells: The well driller or constructor must diagnose the cause of the contamination and attempt to correct it within 10 days after learning that the water is total coliform-positive, or prior to the well being placed in service, whichever is later.
   • For problem wells: When notified of a problem with a new well, the well driller or constructor must diagnose the problem and attempt to correct it within 90 days after a well is completed or no later than 30 days after the well is placed in service, whichever is later.

3. Advancing casing - The revised NR 812 requires the contractor to place granular bentonite around the casing while driving or advancing casing, even if the formation is caving. This will require a funnel-shaped depression around the casing, and every attempt must be made to keep the granular bentonite dry.
4. Mud and cuttings - The revised NR 812 limits the use of mud and cuttings and drill slurry in annular space seal.
   • Mud and cuttings will only be allowed for an upper-enlarged drillhole less than or equal to 20 feet deep.
   • If casing is advanced through an upper-enlarged drillhole greater than 20 feet deep, bentonite or cement grouting will be required.
5. Casing depth in limestone/dolomite - The revised NR 812 allows 40 feet of casing in limestone or dolomite formations only when the depth to bedrock is equal to or greater than 20 feet. 60 feet of casing will be required for wells where the depth to bedrock is less than 20 feet. This doubles the required depth to bedrock for allowing 40’ of casing; current code allows 40’ of casing if depth to bedrock is at least 10’.
6. Flowing Wells - The revised NR 812 clarifies requirements for constructing a flowing well.
   • The well driller or constructor will be responsible to control any flow to the inside of the casing.
   • If flow cannot be contained inside the casing, the well driller or constructor must notify DNR immediately, and must take steps to control the flow. If flow cannot be contained to the inside of the casing, the well driller or constructor will be required to construct a new well according to specific standards.
   • Double casing is not required for a flowing well.
   • When an upper enlarged drillhole is used, cement grout is required - including when thermoplastic [PVC] casing is used.

Make plans now to adjust your construction practices and materials to meet the new requirements. Contact your local DNR Private Water Supply Specialist with any questions.

Where can I get more information?

DNR will send weekly email communications to drillers and pump installers about the rule changes, with more details on specific topics, and links to training modules, publications and fact sheets as they become available. This information will also be posted on DNR’s NR 812 rule changes web page.