NR 812 Revisions – Separation Distances and Approvals

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 three different sections of the revised code – NR 812.08: Water Well, Reservoir and Spring Location, NR 812.09: Department Approvals, and NR 812.091: Product and Component Approvals

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

Key changes to NR 812.08:

  1. In the revised code all required separation distances for new installations are located in Table A.
  2. Historical separation distances have been moved to the Existing Installation Section of code as Table E, which can be found in NR 812.42.
  3. Several changes to the required separation distances in code were made to simplify requirements and reduce confusion.
  4. Some new separation distances were also added to the revised code.
  5. All heat exchange separation distances are now in the Heat Exchange section of code which is NR 812.151.

Key changes to NR 812.09:

  1. Language was revised to simplify and clarify approval procedures. All approval language is now in a single section of code to make it easier to find information on required approvals.
  2. Several approvals are no longer listed or required, as these practices may either be prohibited or may require a variance.
  3. All required approvals issued by the Department under NR 812.09 will now require the property owner or their agent to notify the department at least one working day prior to starting construction.
  4. All approvals issued under NR 812.09 will expire if construction has not commenced within 2 years of the approval.

New Section added: NR 812.091 – Product and Component Approval:

  1. All previous product and component approval requirements and procedures have been relocated to this new section of code.
  2. New language allows the automatic approval of certain products. Treatment chemicals with NSF/ANSI 60 certification and System Components with NSF/ANSI 61 certification will automatically be approved. Treatment devices with plumbing code approval under SPS 382 and 384 will also be automatically approved.

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.