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Private Water Wells
Closed Loop Geothermal Wells

Applying for a Construction Permit

In Illinois, private water wells and closed loop geothermal wells must be constructed or renovated by an Illinois Department of Public Health-licensed well contractor. Before work can begin on wells in Champaign County, a construction permit must be obtained from our office. Contractors must complete an application and submit it for approval along with the appropriate permit fee. Applications are processed within 15 days. After application approval, contractors must provide our office with a minimum of 48 hours' notice before starting work on a well. Our staff will conduct inspections to determine that wells have been installed according to code.

How we met

Forms & Fees

Water Well Construction Permit Application
Water Well Sealing Application
Closed Loop Well System Permit Application
Closed Loop Geothermal Well Construction Report Form

Fee Schedule (Champaign County)
Fee Schedule (for wells inside Champaign-Urbana city limits)

Finding a Contractor

To find a well contractor, please see the Illinois Department of Public Health's list of licensed contractors. Simply type "Champaign" into the "County" field and a list of contractors from the area will appear.

Abandoned Wells and Well Sealing

An abandoned well can pose a health and safety hazard, and become a potential route for groundwater contamination if sealed improperly or not sealed at all. When abandoned wells are left open, children, animals or even adults can fall into them, and an abandoned well may be a pollution threat to other nearby wells. An owner that has an abandoned well on their property should contact a licensed water well contractor to have the well sealed within 30 days after abandonment. The contractor should submit a completed well sealing form to our office.

Water Well Testing

Coliform Bacteria Testing

Our test kits are $49 each (or $20 for wells within Champaign or Urbana city limits) and are available for purchase in the Environmental Health Division. The kit fee includes a sample bottle, instructions and lab testing for coliform bacteria. Testing for coliform bacteria will reveal whether your water supply may be contaminated with infectious organisms.

If you reside in a different county, please contact your local health department to inquire about well water testing.

Other Contaminants

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to properly maintain their water well and regularly test it for contaminants to ensure they have safe drinking water. For testing, please see a list of accredited private laboratories or the Illinois State Water Survey.

Disinfecting Your Well

Forever Chemicals - PFAS

Rules and Regulations

Resources and Information

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone: 217-373-7900 or 217-363-3269
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, IL 61820

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