NR 812 Revisions – NR 812.10 Well Driller and Well Constructor Requirements

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 general requirements for Well Drillers and Well Constructors.

A short training module on this subject is now available at: https://p.widencdn.net/pdcfsn/Well-Driller-and-Constructor-Requirements

Key changes to Well Driller and Well Constructor requirements:

1. Electronic Well Construction Reports (WCRs) will be required starting January 1, 2023 – The revised code requires all WCRs to be submitted electronically starting in 2023. Electronic reporting is available now – get started here: Online Well Construction Reports. Submitting your reports online can save driller’s time by reducing errors and getting reports to DNR quicker. It also saves time and money by eliminating US Mail and postage costs.
2. Expectations for Coliform-Positive Wells – The revised code clarifies that the Well Driller or Well Constructor must return to diagnose and attempt to correct the issue within 10 days after notification of a total coliform-positive test result, or prior to the well being placed into service, whichever is later. 
3. Expectations for Problem Wells – The revised code clarifies that the Well Driller or Well Constructor must return to diagnose and attempt to correct the issue within 90 days after well is completed, or no later than 30 days after the well is placed into service, whichever is later. Problem wells are defined in the revised code as:

• A well producing sandy or turbid water
• A well failing due to a caving or soughing formation
• A well in which water starts flowing up the outside of the casing

This section includes added language for well reconstruction to address health-related water quality or turbid water problems by filling the bottom of the well with cement or concrete grout and drilling it out.

Make plans now to adjust your construction and record keeping practices 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.