NR 812 Revisions – NR 812.15: Flowing Wells, and New/Deleted Sections

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 flowing wells, and new and deleted sections of the code.

Two short training modules on these subjects are now available at:

Flowing Wells: https://p.widencdn.net/yhnnx1/Flowing-Wells?download=true

New and Deleted Sections: https://p.widencdn.net/gt35ux/New-and-Deleted-Sections?download=true

 

Key changes to requirements for flowing wells:

1. Requirements for construction of flowing wells are clarified in the revised code.
2. The Well Driller or Well Constructor will be responsible to control the flow so that flow is contained inside the well casing.
3. If flow cannot be contained inside the casing, the Well Driller or Well Constructor must notify DNR immediately and DNR staff will offer assistance. If a new well is drilled to replace a well with uncontrolled flow, the new well will have to meet standards in NR 812.15 (2) through (4).
4. Double casing is not required, but if used, construction must follow specific requirements.
5. All flowing wells constructed using an upper enlarged drillhole must be grouted with neat cement. This includes PVC-cased wells.
6. A new Flowing Wells fact sheet for Well Drillers and Well Constructors will be available soon.

New Sections of NR 812:

• Product and Component Approvals (NR 812.091) - Product and component approvals have been removed from NR 812.09 and been placed in a new section; NR 812.091. Certain products, components and devices will no longer require prior DNR approvals if they meet specific requirements. This includes treatment chemicals and miscellaneous water supply products with NSF/ANSI 60 certification, system components with NSF/ANSI 61 certification, and treatment devices with product approval under SPS 382 and 384.
• Heat Exchange Drillhole Location and Construction Requirements (NR 812.151) - Construction requirements for heat exchange drillholes will be consolidated in one place, instead of being in numerous sections of NR 812. Standards for heat exchange construction have not changed.
• Construction Requirements for Potable High Capacity Wells, Potable School Wells and Wastewater Treatment Plant Wells (NR 812.152) - Construction requirements for potable high capacity wells, potable school wells and wastewater treatment plant wells will be consolidated in one place. Standards have not changed.
• Water Sampling, Analysis and Reporting Requirements (NR 812.46) - All sampling requirements will be moved to this new section to avoid duplication and provide consistent requirements. The new section includes specific sample location requirements, and waives the requirement for repeat nitrate and arsenic sampling if the same pump installer performs pump installing work on the same well within six months. Laboratory reporting deadline has been changed, and laboratory agreements are eliminated. New and revised sampling fact sheets will be available soon

Deleted Section of NR 812:

• Well Casing and Heat Exchange Pipe, Liner Pipe and Materials (NR 812.17) This section will be deleted and the requirements moved to other sections. Casing material requirements are moved to NR 812.11, Well Construction Equipment and Materials. Liner material requirements are moved to NR 812.21, Liners. 

Make plans now to adjust your construction 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 post weekly email communications, links to training modules, publications, forms and fact sheets as they become available. This information will be posted on DNR’s NR 812 rule changes web page.