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Understanding Water Wells In Concord 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 Concord, MA. This article is geared towards understanding Concord 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 Concord, MA.

1.     Permit Info:  Well construction permit fee: Domestic $100.00 Irrigation:$100.00

2.      2. Well Location: A Plot Plan is required upon application.  Requirements include   

Table 1: Required Setbacks for Wells

Well Type

Private Water Supply

Irrigation

Geothermal

Monitoring

Property Line

10

10

10

N/A

Public or Private Way (edge of road)

25

25

25

N/A

100-year floodplain elevation

Above

Above

Above

N/A

Body of water

25

25

25

N/A

Wetland

25

25

25

N/A

Septic Tank/Pump Chamber

50

50

50

N/A

Soil Absorption System

100

50

50

N/A

Building sewer constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant material

10

10

10

N/A

Building sewer constructed of other materials

50

50

50

N/A

Structure with a foundation

20

20

20

N/A

               

 3. Water Quality testing: Extensive water analysis is required for domestic wells.  This test includes (Recommended every 5-7 years after initial test)

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

 

For Irrigation Wells, basic water quality testing is required.  This includes

(Recommended to be tested whenever there are noticeable water quality changes)

Total Coliform Bacteria         Hardness

E-Coli Bacteria                      Nitrate

pH                                           Nitrite

Sodium                                   Chloride                       

Iron                                         Chlorine                       

Manganese                              Color               

 

4. Water Quantity testing: A four hour flow test will be sufficient. The test will be conducted in the following manner

 (1) The volume of water necessary to support the household's daily need shall be determined using the following equation: (number of bedrooms plus one bedroom) x (110 gallons per bedroom) x (a safety factor of 2) = number of gallons needed daily.

(2) The storage capacity of the well shall be determined using the measured static water level and the depth and radius of the drill hole or casing.

(3) The Required Volume shall be calculated by adding the volumes of water in (1) and (2) above. It is this volume of water that must be pumped from the well within a 24-hour period.

 5.Real Estate Transfer Requirements: As of now, Concord, 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 Concord 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 Concord Board Of Health at 978-318-3275

Chuck Mixon
The Keyes Company - Cutler Bay, FL
Cutler Bay Specialist, GRI, CDPE, BPOR

A lot of information that I am sure changes for state to state , even county to county. Thank you for the information.

Oct 01, 2012 03:12 AM