Understanding Water Wells in Norfolk MA

Are you thinking of installing a water well in Norfolk, MA. This article is geared towards understanding Norfolk MA Board of Health Regulations. Understanding your town regulations can be instrumental in compiling total project costs when it comes to drilling a water well in Norfolk, MA.

 1. Permit Info:  Well construction permit fee: $200.00 Separate $25.00 Administrative fee made out to the Town of Norfolk

 2. Well Location: A plot plan shall be submitted with the application for a well permit to the Board of Health indicating the proposed location of the well, all buildings, boundary lines, septic systems (within 200 feet). Minimum distances include Leaching Areas

□       Perc Rate Less Than 5 min/in 150 feet Perc Rate 5 to 10 min/in 125 feet   Perc Rate Greater than 10 min/in 100 feet

□       Other Wells 50 feet

□       Sideline of Public or Private Way or Street 40 feet

□       Building or Projection thereof 10 feet

□       Lot Lines 15 feet

□       Any other Part of Septic System 50 feet

 3. Water Quality testing: Extensive water analysis is sufficient.  This test includes total coliform, e.coli bacteria, arsenic, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, alkilinity, ammonia, color, conductivity, chlorine, chloride, flouride, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, odor and sediment, ph, sulfate, turbidity in addition it also tests for the volatile organic scan : p-dichlorobenzene, 0 -dichlorobenzene, styrene, benzene, trichloroethylene, trans-1, 2 Dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, Carbon tetracholoride, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, cis -1, 2 Dichloroethylene, toluene, 1,1- Dichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, 1,2- Dichloropropane, xylenes, 1,2- dichloroethane, monochlorobenzene, ethylbenzene+ Radon in the water  (every  10 years)

4. Water Quantity testing: A four hour flow test will be sufficient. The guidelines include

□       Minimum of 200 gallons per bed room per day at 20 psi

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 5.Real Estate Transfer Requirements: As of now, Norfolk, MA does not have any real estate transfer requirements posted. However we strongly suggest getting the water quality and quantity tested to show you are getting a clean, safe, and usable well.

 Wells on average in the Town of Norfolk MA range from 300-400 in depth however it’s not uncommon for wells to run shallower or deeper hence why it’s called the average. The casing depth averages at 40 feet however deeper pockets of rock are possible.

 If you have further questions contact the Norfolk Board Of Health at 508-528-7747