Private Water & Closed Loop Wells
In the private water and closed loop systems program, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers the licensing of water well and pump installation contractors and regulates the construction, modification and sealing of all water wells, with the exception of community water wells. In addition, the program administers the registration of closed loop well contractors and regulates the construction, modification, and sealing of all closed loop wells. This program is conducted through agreements with 90 local health departments.
A major consideration in constructing these wells is to prevent contamination from the ground surface or shallow ground water, sewage disposal systems and other hazardous sources, from entering the well. To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells. The IDPH licenses approximately 730 people who construct wells and/or install water well pumps. Staff consult with the public and local governments about private water supply issues and prepares publications concerning the use of surface water and groundwater supplies.
Resources
- Water Well Contractor Online Renewal
- IDPH: How to Disinfect Your Water Well (Video)
- IEPA: List of Accredited Laboratories for Well Water Testing
- IEPA: Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) ArcIMS Mapping Tool
- IEPA: What You Need to Know About Private Drinking Water Wells
- IL State Geological Survey: Illinois Water Well (ILWATER) Interactive Map
- IL State Water Survey: Domestic Wells Database
- List of 3rd Party Organizations for Closed Loop Well Contractors
- Water Well Contractor Search
- Water Well and Closed Loop Continuing Education Calendar
- Water Well and Closed Loop Contractor Examination Calendar
- Water Well - Free Online Information
Forms
- Application for Licensed Water Well Contractor's Closed Loop Well Certification
- Application for Permit to Construct, Modify or Abandon a Water Well
- Application for Permit to Construct, Modify or Seal a Closed Loop Well System
- Application for Registration as a State Closed Loop Well Contractor
- Examination Application for State Closed Loop Certification
- Examination Application for Water Well License
- Installation Report for Water Well Pumps
- Water Well Construction Report
- Water Well Sealing Form
- Apprentice & Plumber License Application
Laws & Rules
- 915 Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor’s License Code
- 915 Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor License Code (Printer-friendly)
- 920 Water Well Construction Code
- 920 Water Well Construction Code (Printer-friendly)
- 925 Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code
- 925 Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code (Printer-friendly)
- Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor's License Act
- Illinois Groundwater Protection Act
- Illinois Water Well Construction Code
- Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code
Publications
- PFAS in Drinking Water
- Arsenic in Private Wells
- Backflow Preventers
- Grouts
- Hand Pumps
- Maximum Levels for Contaminants in Public Water Supplies
- Monitoring Wells
- Pitless Well Adapters and Units
- References Utilized in Examination for Licensed Water Well Contractors
- References Utilized in Examination for Licensed Water Well Pump Installation Contractors
- Study Manual for the Water Well and Pump Installation
- Contractors License Examinations
- Water Well Caps
- Water Well Construction Report Instructions
- 915 Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor License Code (Printer-friendly)
- 920 Water Well Construction Code (Printer-friendly)
- 925 Illinois Water Well Pump Installation Code (Printer-friendly)