Health: Individual Water Supply Well Permitting

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Individual Water Supply Well Permitting
well drilling

The Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) has established standards for the location, construction and quality of individual water supply wells and system installation, as set forth in the MCHD Public Health Code, Chapter 17 and MCHD Construction Specifications. Any residential well in Montgomery County that will be used for consumption must have an MCHD permit prior to installation. Monitoring, agricultural, irrigation, test and geothermal wells not used for public consumption are exempt from this requirement.

The “Permit to Construct” is the first of three phases of the permitting process that requires residents to submit an Individual Water Supply System application packet. An application must be filed on behalf of the current property owner or equitable owner. A “Permit to Construct” consists of the following information:

  1. Individual Water Supply Application Procedure
  2. Individual Water Supply Application
  3. Fee Schedule
  4. Plot Plan
  5. Agent Authorization
  6. Isolation Distances
  7. Well Driller List
An on site inspection is the second phase in the permitting process. MCHD Environmental Health Specialists (EHSs) meet with the driller and observe the grouting process of the well installation.  In addition the EHSs ensure the well was installed according to current guidelines. 
 
An “Approval to Operate” the Individual Water Supply is the final phase in the permitting process.  An “Approval to Operate” shall be issued by MCHD within seven (7) working days upon receipt of the following information:
  1. Water Well Completion Report
  2. Water Supply Parameters
  3. Pump Test Data Form
  4. Additional requirements and misc. “Permit to Construct” info
    a. Recorder of Deeds Procedure and Statement
    b. DCNR Well Abandonment Guidelines
    c. Well Abandonment Form
    d. Non-Abandonment Declaration
In addition, the Division of Water Quality Management offers free bacteria testing in their onsite lab for county residents served by individual water supply wells. There are five drop off locations located throughout the county. MCHD staff can provide a listing of laboratories for additional testing and assist residents with understanding their results and the PA Maximum contaminant levels. For additional information contact MCHD at 610-278-5117.
 
You will need the Acrobat reader for these forms:
 
Regulations and Permitting
 
Approval to Operate
 
Testing and Treatments
 
Misc.