In Utah, water wells must be constructed in accordance with a variety of state-specified guidelines and restrictions.
Several of these restrictions are designed specifically to prevent injury as well as contamination of the groundwater. These guidelines also ensure that you will enjoy clean, sanitary water for cooking, drinking and bathing for the life of your Utah water well.
For our well customers, we believe that it’s helpful to learn more about how we help protect your water source.
Water Well Surface Sealing
The Utah Division of Water Rights requires all Utah water wells 30 feet deep or more to be sealed in way that prevents water-borne contaminants from the surface from reaching the groundwater. This process is commonly referred to as grout sealing.
When a well is drilled between the surface and the water source, a PVC, concrete or steel casing is inserted to maintain the well’s vertical surfaces. The external end of the casing is then sealed (more on that below).
Between that sleeve and the soil, however, contaminants from the surface can run down and enter the groundwater.
To prevent that occurrence, grout is pumped into what is called the annular space, that space between the soil and the external surface of the casing, to create a surface seal. In Utah, this seal must be at least 2 inches thick, and extend to a depth of at least 30 feet.
Capping the Well for Sanitation
The well casing is required to extend 18 inches or more above the ground surface, and must be fully sealed. In accordance with Utah statute, this seal must be both weatherproof and sanitary, meaning it must be secured in a way that prevents infestation. Any air vents or conduit holes must be screened to prevent infestation as well.
Typically, a sanitary seal has a rubber gasket that prevents insects and small rodents from squeezing in under the cap. It also has bolts to hold the cap in place, although Utah also allows welded caps to be used as well.
A tightly sealed sanitary well cap even prevents airborne contaminants from finding their way in.
The Importance of the Well Cap for Safety
The sanitary seal not only prevents critters and contaminants from entering the well, but it also prevents potentially serious accidents. Without this critical cap, children and animals, both domestic and wild, might find their way into the well, leading to certain disaster.
You may remember the 1987 story of “Baby Jessica” McClure. At the young age of 18 months, Jessica fell into a well in her aunt’s back yard and became trapped 22 feet below the surface of the ground. In what is still regarded as a miraculous outcome, rescuers worked for 58 hours to pull her to safety.
The Z Team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service understands the importance of maintaining your well in a safe and sanitary manner at all times. We are in our third generation of serving commercial and residential well customers in Utah and southwest Wyoming, and we are certified to perform all well-related services.
Contact us today to learn more about our services for Wyoming and Utah water wells.
