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Understanding Water Wells in Walpole MA

By
Home Inspector with Northeast Water Wells Inc NH Lic# 59,60 and MA 762

Are you thinking of installing a water well in Walpole, MA. This article is geared towards understanding Walpole 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 Walpole, MA.

 1. Permit Info:  Well construction permit fee: $75.00

  2.  Well Location: A plot plan is required when submitting application for well.  Guidelines include

       Wells shall be located at least 15 feet from any public or private way or street,

       10 feet from any building,

       10 feet from lot lines,

       50 feet from any septic tank,

       and 100 feet from any leaching facility.

Greater distances from leaching facilities may be required by the  Board of Health if geologic or ground water flow conditions so warrant.

 3. Water Quality testing: Extensive water quality plus radon.  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: 4 Hour pump test, proving well is sufficient.  Guidelines include

 Well Depth                                    GPM - 4 hrs.

  0 to 150 feet                                          5 - 6

150 to 200 feet                                          4

200 to 300 feet                                        2 - 3

300 and over                                           1 – 2

 There shall be a minimum yield of 200 gallons per bedroom per day at 20 lbs. P.S.I. at the highest fixture serviced. A bedroom shall include undeveloped area that could be made into a bedroom. Pressure tanks for individual home installations shall have a minimum capacity of 42 gallons.

 5. Real Estate Transfer Requirements: As of now, Walpole, 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 Walpole 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 Walpole Board Of Health at 508-660-7321