DRINKING WATER WELL CONSTRUCTION DESIGN CHECKLIST

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Project Name: Water System Name: I. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS

Yes A. All applicable checklist items must be specifically addressed in the plans and specifications, in a manner that clearly shows how each item will be satisfied. Numbers in parentheses refer to applicable sections of No NA

either the Recommended Standards for Water Works, 2003 Edition (RSWW) or the Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems (IRPDWS). The acronym (CEP) after some of the items stands for Common Engineering Practice. If rules or standards are to be used for
construction, they must be written on the plans or included in the specifications, not merely referenced. B. Written justification must be provided for any crosshatched areas that are checked.

II.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A COMPLETE SUBMITTAL

A. B. C. D. E. Well Construction Checklist (this checklist). General Plan and Specification Review Checklist. Three complete sets of stamped plans and specifications. (One set will be kept for DEQ files). (CEP) Well Design Engineering Report. (IRPDWS 551.01) A signed inspection contract. (RSWW 1.6)

III.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
A. B. Was IDWR consulted prior to well design? Application to Appropriate Water filed with IDWR (IDAPA 37.03.08.035.01.a) and an approved Permit to Appropriate Water included with submittal. (CEP)

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C.

Application for Drilling Permit filed with IDWR. (IDAPA 37.03.09.045.01.a) Note: Water Rights and Drilling Permit must be approved by IDWR prior to construction. Written approval of the well site received from DEQ. (IRPDWS 550.03.a)

D.

Yes E. F. Professional engineering & inspection services available during well construction? (IRPDWS 551.04.c) Are minimum separation distances from non-potable water systems, property lines, surface waters, and other sources of contamination provided? (IRPDWS 550.03.b)

No

NA

IV.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT

A. B. Specifications for material transportation, handling, storage, and protection. (CEP) Equipment and/or materials, including drilling fluids, used in well construction NSF Standard 61 approved or equivalent. (IRPDWS 550.02)

V.

GEOLOGIC SAMPLING
A. B. C. Sampling interval (e.g. every 5 feet or change in lithology), and methods identified. (RSWW 3.2.4.3.a) Need for geophysical logs (i.e., resistivity, gamma, sonic, etc.)? (CEP) Collect and save samples? (CEP)

VI.

DRILLING
A. B. C. D. Separate specification sections for each type of acceptable drilling method. (CEP) All downhole materials cleaned and disinfected with 500 ppm chlorine solution. (IDAPA 37.03.09.025.19) ANSI/NSF 61 certified drilling mud product name(s) or specification. (IDAPA 37.03.09.025.18) (IRPDWS 550.02) Record location and approximate volume of drilling mud losses. (CEP)

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VII.

CASING
A. Thickness and weight for steel pipe must meet Recommended Standards for Water Works requirements (i.e., 8-inch casing must be at least 0.322 inches thick). (RSWW Table 1) For steel casing, welding procedures and specifications. (CEP) For steel casing, welds penetrate full thickness of the casing wall. (IDAPA 37.03.09.025.02.a)

B. C.

D.

Plastic well casing must be certified per ANSI/NSF Standards 14 and 61 and ASTM F480, and be approved for site specific use by DEQ and IDWR. The engineer must be present during placement of the casing and any packing material that is required to ensure structural stability. (RSWW 3.2.5.5) Yes No NA

E. F. G. H. I. J. K.

Instructions for removal of temporary casing (i.e., to prevent separation during extraction). (CEP) Depth of penetration of well casing into identified confining layer is clearly shown in the plans and specifications (CEP) If drive shoes are used to seal casing, describe method for testing shoe seal. (CEP) Plumbness and alignment test methods and allowable tolerance clearly stated in the specifications? (RSWW 3.2.4.2.b) Top of casing at least 18 inches above finished grade and/or 12 inches above well house floor, preferably higher. (IRPDWS 550.03.l.i) Finished grade at least 12 inches above natural ground level to provide slope away from well in all directions. (CEP) Permanent 1 inch diameter casing vent (downturned, screened with #24 mesh, and terminating at least 18 inches above floor or ground) or equivalent vented well cap. (RSWW 3.2.7.6)

VIII. SEALS
A. Depth, method of placement, and type of seal. 1. 2. 3. 4. Poured or pumped. (circle one that applies) Placement of seal will be slow and continuous. (CEP) Volume and type of material will be recorded and checked against engineering specifications every 5 to 10 feet. (CEP) Minimum 50% excess seal material will be on site. (CEP)

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5. B. C. D. E. F.

Temporary casing and/or tremie will be withdrawn as the seal is placed. (CEP)

Minimum requirements for annular seal thickness are specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.5.9. Testing method for well seal is specified (regular tagging of top seal, volume calculations, bail down/fill up, other). (CEP) Consultant present and IDWR contacted prior to seal placement. (contact IDWR) Intermediate seals to separate aquifers that are, or may be, contaminated or yield undesirable water. (RSWW 3.2.5.2.b) Casing will be provided with sufficient guides welded to the casing to permit unobstructed flow and uniform thickness of grout. (RSWW 3.2.5.9.e) Placing guides at least every 60 feet is recommended. (CEP) After cement grouting is applied, work on the well shall be discontinued until the cement or concrete grout has properly set. (RSWW 3.2.5.9.d.6)

G.

IX.

SCREENS AND PERFORATED CASINGS

Yes A. 304, 304L, 306, or 306L (ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certified stainless steel, or other material resistant to damage by chemical action of groundwater or cleaning operations as approved by the Department. (RSWW 3.2.5.8.a) The specifications describe minimum construction requirements and/or acceptable brands. (CEP) Screen will be designed based on the results of sieve analyses. (IRPDWS 550.03.e.iii.(3)) Screen diameter and placement detail is included, including blank casing and bottom plate or wash down bottom fitting of the same material as the screen. and minimum use of drilling muds). (RSWW 3.2.5.8.f) The screen will be centered in the annular space. (CEP) No NA

B. C. D.

E.

X.

FILTER PACK (Note: All screens and perforated sections shall be filter packed unless otherwise
authorized by DEQ/IDWR) A. B. Material description and physical properties and disinfection requirements are specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.6.2.a. Make & model of screen seal or packer (to protect against leakage of grout into the gravel pack or screen) is shown on the plans and described in the specifications. (RSWW 3.2.6.2.e) Filter pack designed from aquifer formation sieve analysis evaluated by engineer or geologist (and screen manufacturer if requested). (IRPDWS

C.

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550.03.e.iii.(3)) D. E. Details of filter pack placement requirements are specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.6.2. Details of filter pack including tagging, volume checks, and extension above and below screen (typically 3 feet) are specified. (CEP)

XI.

WELL DEVELOPMENT
A. B. C. D. Development method, equipment, and duration are specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.5.11. Passing criteria is specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.5.11. The specifications require final cleaning of sump. (CEP) A preliminary production test is recommended, especially for air-rotary rigs. (CEP)

XII.

FINAL PRODUCTION TESTS

A. B. Engineer or geologist (or a representative of the engineer or geologist) present during testing. (CEP) The pump rate and duration are specified as: . The well will be test pumped at the design capacity for at least 24 consecutive hours after drawdown has stabilized. Or The well will be test pumped at 150% of the design capacity for at least 6 consecutive hours after drawdown has stabilized. In either case, if the drawdown does not stabilize, the pumping will continue for at least 72 consecutive hours. (IRPDWS 550.03.f.i) C. D. The specifications call for the data listed in IRPDWS 550.03.f.iii to be recorded and provided to DEQ. If the well is located in a low yield aquifer, an additional 3-day test at average ultimate use may be required - contact DEQ. Yes E. Bacterial and chemical water quality testing as required for new sources. Contact DEQ for the specific monitoring requirements for different types of public water systems. Final disinfection and flushing to remove all chlorine are specified in accordance with RSWW 3.2.5.12. (Also see Item XIV.A) TV inspection is specified. (Recommended for all wells, particularly with
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No

NA

F. G.

Well Construction Design Checklist

large wells or where problems are anticipated). (CEP) H. Measurement for sand content (must be < 5 ppm) either by laboratory or as specified in IRPDWS 550.03.f.ii.

XIII. PITLESS ADAPTERS

A. Pitless adapter approved by NSF, Water Systems Council, or equivalent. Make and model are shown in the plans and specifications. (IRPDWS 550.03.m.vi.(1)) Field tested per Manual of Individual Water Supply Systems, except for welded on units. (IRPDWS 550.03.m.vi.(3)) Replacement of upper casing annular seal to the original specifications. (CEP)

B. C.

XIV.

SITE CONTROL
A. Construction wastewater and storm water disposal methods are specified. (If discharged to surface water or canals, proper authorizations obtained) (CEP) Runoff shall not contain sediment unless erosion control measures, approved by DEQ, are in place. (CEP) Water leaving the site does not contain drilling fluid additives, drill foam or sealant material. (CEP) Well construction waste and/or debris, including drilling fluid waste, disposed of at a sanitary landfill or other site approved by the engineer. (CEP) Dust and noise control recommended. (CEP) Holes, pits, equipment, and chemicals safety stored and fenced per OSHA standards. (CEP)

B. C. D.

E. F.

XV.

PROJECT COMPLETION
Yes A. B. C. Site cleanup requirements are specified. (CEP) Adequate temporary cover or cap per IDWR requirements. (IDAPA 37.03.09.025.02.a) Submit data and reports to engineer, DEQ, and IDWR. This shall include the well log, production pump specifications and pumping curves, pumping test results, and results of new source monitoring tests. (IRPDWS 550.03.e) No NA

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Note: This checklist addresses the majority of common items from the Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems (IRPDWS), the Recommended Standards for Water Works (RSWW), and common engineering practices. However, this checklist is not all-inclusive and users are expected to fully understand the rules and standards, apply them where necessary, and request interpretations from DEQ if there are any questions. DEQ regional offices may have additional written information that will assist in the design/approval process.

All of the items indicated on the above checklist are accurately reflected in the attached Plans and Specifications. Design Engineers Signature: Date:

P.E. Stamp:

Checklist References: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems (IRPDWS) Well Construction Standards Rules (IDAPA 37.03.09) Recommended Standards for Water Works (RSWW) dated 2003. Johnson, Groundwater and Wells AWWA Standards Manual of Individual Water Supply Systems

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