Understanding Water Wells in Townsend MA

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

 1. Permit Info:  Well construction permit fee:$25 to Townsend BOH. $75 to NABH (Nashoba Associated Boards of Health)

2. Well Location: A plot plan is required when application is submitted.  Minimum distances include

3. Water Quality testing: Extensive water analysis is sufficient.  This test includes

Total Coliform Bacteria           Sodium                       Hardness       Arsenic (Total)

E-Coli Bacteria                       Alkalinity                       Nitrate                  Lead

Calcium                                   Ammonia                      Nitrite                   Potassium

Copper                                    Chloride                          pH                       Flouride

Iron                                         Chlorine                         Sulfate                 Radon

Magnesium                              Color                             Turbidity                Flouride

Manganese                             Conductivity                   Odor/Sediment     P-dichlorobenzene

Radontetrachlorethylene       Carbon Tetrachloride       Trichloroethane        Cis-1

Dichloroethylene                      Toluene                       Dichloroethylene                 Ethylbenzene                        Monochlorobenzene

 4. Water Quantity testing: A four hour flow test will be sufficient.  The Well must produce 5gpm over a sustained period of pumping.

5. Real Estate Transfer Requirements: Well testing will be required of all wells prior to transfer of property title or within three years prior to such transfer. Laboratory results of well water test are valid for three years from the date the sample was taken. Well testing shall be in compliance with this section.

 Wells on average in the Town of Townsend 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 Townsend Board of Health at 978-597-8135