NR 812 Revisions – Pump Installing and Water Treatment

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 NR 812 Subchapter III (NR 812.27 – NR 812.41), requirements for Pump Installing and Water Treatment.

A short training module on this subject is now available at: https://p.widencdn.net/3qr2a2/NR812-Subchapter-III?download=true

Key changes to requirements for Subchapter III:

  1. Code language has been revised to be clearer, more concise and easier to read and understand, but few requirements have been changed.
  2. Pump installers must notify the well owner within 48 hours of being notified of a contaminated /total coliform-positive well test result.
  3. When a well test result is total coliform-positive, the Pump Installer must return to attempt to correct the problem, but the time limit is no longer specified. Corrective action should be taken no later than 10 days after the Pump Installer is notified of the contaminated well, or prior to the well being placed into service, whichever is greater.
  4. Treatment may not be installed on a private or non-community well that has been ordered to be filled and sealed or ordered to have its use discontinued.
  5. The revised NR 812 simplifies requirements for installing bacterial treatment on a private well without prior DNR approval, so long as the well’s construction and location are in compliance. The well must be inspected for compliance with NR 812 by a licensed well driller or pump installer, and the inspection must be documented in a written inspection report. This is only allowed for private water wells, and some additional requirements apply.

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.