§ 90.19 Wells Prohibited: Exceptions

Privately owned and maintained wells inside the City are prohibited if a City water main abuts the property line by either right-of-way or easement. The City may require owners of existing private wells to connect to a city owned distribution water main if a City water main abuts the property line by either right-of-way or easement. Such connection shall be made within ninety (90) calendar days after official notice to do so. The owner of the property on which the well or water system is located shall cause all service lines that furnish water to a residence from the well to be permanently cut off. The existing private well may continue to be used for purposes that do not include providing water to the residence, provided that it is not connected by any means to the City water system, and no water from the well is allowed to enter the City sanitary sewer system. However, if required, the existing well must be abandoned as required by state law. New wells may be sunk if the Council certifies to a property owner that the City is not prepared to provide water service within a reasonable time after the application is made for the service. A property owner may petition the Council for approval of a well constructed and used for non-potable purposes, and the Council may grant such an exception if it finds the well is not intended for residential or commercial use and it is otherwise in the best interest of the City to grant such an exception. The City shall refer all applications for such exceptions to the City Engineer for review and comment. The property owner shall remain liable for meeting all other applicable State and County regulations and laws governing the location and operation of wells.