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Many homes in rural areas are not connected to a municipal water system, but instead have a private well for their daily water supply. When installing, repairing or replacing a well, the owners will need to hire a Licensed Well-Pump Contractor for existing wells and a Licensed Well-Driller for a new or replaced well.
Typically, the contractor will complete the Water Well Permit Application, with your assistance, and submit the permit application to the Hancock County Health Department for you.
Once the application is submitted, the health department will review the plans and work with the contractor to reach an approval within 7 – 10 business days.
Water Testing:
The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that well-water used for drinking be tested on a yearly basis. Other reasons for having your well water tested could include having someone in the home that is pregnant or immunocompromised.
Bacteria in Water:
Bacteria and parasites that cause illness can enter a well in many ways. Whether the contamination comes from the materials and tools used in the well’s construction, from septic failures near the well or from feedlot runoff, the bacteria and parasites must be destroyed to ensure safe water.
Every new, modified or reconstructed water well including pumps and all pumping equipment should be disinfected before being used and again each time it is opened for maintenance or repair. The well and pump contractor is responsible for disinfecting the well after construction and pump installation is completed. Water from a system that has been completely disinfected should be free of potentially harmful bacteria.
Nitrates:
A new water supply should be tested for nitrates. Levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l) as nitrogen may cause illness in infants 6 months of age or younger. Nitrates found in groundwater are usually produced by agricultural fertilizers, livestock wastes or septic systems.
Available Testing Kits:
Well water test kits are available from the health department test for coliform and E. coli bacteria and Nitrates. Test kits may be purchased in our office for $35. Test results are usually received by our office in 7 to 10 days, after which we will inform the homeowner of the results through the mail.
For more information contact 217-357-2171 option 4
Typically, the contractor will complete the Water Well Permit Application, with your assistance, and submit the permit application to the Hancock County Health Department for you.
Once the application is submitted, the health department will review the plans and work with the contractor to reach an approval within 7 – 10 business days.
Water Testing:
The Illinois Department of Public Health suggests that well-water used for drinking be tested on a yearly basis. Other reasons for having your well water tested could include having someone in the home that is pregnant or immunocompromised.
Bacteria in Water:
Bacteria and parasites that cause illness can enter a well in many ways. Whether the contamination comes from the materials and tools used in the well’s construction, from septic failures near the well or from feedlot runoff, the bacteria and parasites must be destroyed to ensure safe water.
Every new, modified or reconstructed water well including pumps and all pumping equipment should be disinfected before being used and again each time it is opened for maintenance or repair. The well and pump contractor is responsible for disinfecting the well after construction and pump installation is completed. Water from a system that has been completely disinfected should be free of potentially harmful bacteria.
Nitrates:
A new water supply should be tested for nitrates. Levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l) as nitrogen may cause illness in infants 6 months of age or younger. Nitrates found in groundwater are usually produced by agricultural fertilizers, livestock wastes or septic systems.
Available Testing Kits:
Well water test kits are available from the health department test for coliform and E. coli bacteria and Nitrates. Test kits may be purchased in our office for $35. Test results are usually received by our office in 7 to 10 days, after which we will inform the homeowner of the results through the mail.
For more information contact 217-357-2171 option 4
| Private Well Water Nitrate Screening Form |
| Well Disinfection |
"In accordance with Federal Law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."