Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 13.16 Water Wells

A. This chapter is adopted pursuant to the requirement of the regional water quality board for each municipal entity to establish well water regulations that will insure a high quality of water and regulate the entry of substances into the underground waters.

B. The city council adopted by reference the Tulare County Well Ordinance as the "Well Ordinance of the City of Visalia" excepting such amendments that reference city ordinance numbering and city officials responsible for administration of the chapter. (Prior code § 7760)

This chapter is enacted pursuant to authority granted by Sections 13800 to 13806 of the water code of the state of California. However, subsequently the regional water quality control board held a hearing on this chapter pursuant to Section 13804 of the Water Code of the state of California. On October 11, 1974, the county clerk received official notice of the decision of said regional board that this chapter was not sufficiently restrictive to protect the quality of the affected waters on several points, in accordance with said Section 13804. This chapter, as amended, was subsequently reviewed and approved by said regional board and went into effect on February 8, 1975. (Prior code § 7761)

It is the purpose of this chapter to assure that water produced by wells in the city will be of high quality and to protect and preserve the quality of underground waters by regulating the entry of substances from the surface into well shafts and regulating the interchange through well shafts of water between underground strata. (Prior code § 7762)

A. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to all individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, corporations, estates and trusts.

B. The provisions of this chapter are also applicable to the United States, the state of California, cities and all political subdivisions of the state of California, and to all officers, employees and departments of the United States, the state of California, cities and other political subdivisions when they drill a well, or perform any of the other acts covered by this chapter, within the incorporated city. (Prior code § 7762.5)

The chief building official may permit construction, deepening, reconstruction and destruction of wells without strict compliance with the standards established by this chapter when he determines that strict compliance would impose an unreasonable burden on the permittee and that the variance would not endanger the health or safety of the water user or the public generally. (Prior code § 7763)

Except as specifically provided in Sections 13.16.450, 163.16.470 and 13.16.480, this chapter shall apply only to construction, reconstruction, deepening or destruction of a well when such construction, reconstruction, deepening or destruction is commenced after the effective date of this chapter. (Prior code § 7764)

Except where the context otherwise requires, the definitions set forth in the following sections shall apply throughout this chapter.

"Agricultural well" means a well used exclusively to supply water for irrigation, livestock operation or other agricultural purposes.

"Air conditioning well" means a disposal well used exclusively to return to the ground, in a closed system, well water which has been used as a coolant in air conditioning processes.

"Annular seal" means the impervious material placed in the annular space to prevent the flow of water across or along the annular space.

"Annular space" means the area between the bore and the well casing. If a conductor casing is used, annular space includes the area between the bore and the conductor casing and between the conductor casing and the well casing.

"Cathodic protection well" means any artificial excavation in excess of fifty (50) feet deep constructed by any means for the purpose of installing equipment or facilities for the protection electrically of metallic equipment in contact with the ground.

"Construction" means the fashioning of the shaft of a well and includes, but is not limited to, excavation, installation of casing, placing gravel, perforation of casing in place, installation of annular seals and sealing off strata.

"Contamination" means an impairment of the quality of the waters to a degree which creates a hazard to the public health through poisoning or the spread of disease.

"Destruction of well" means:

1. The complete filling of the well shaft in such a manner as to protect persons and animals from the danger of physical harm and prevent surface waters, waste, debris, and contaminants from entering the well; and

2. The sealing of the well shaft and annular space in such a manner as to prevent pollution of any water bearing stratum by the introduction through the well shaft of water, or any other substance, the presence of which would result in a significant deterioration in the quality of water in the stratum.

"Disposal well" means a well into which liquid or solid substances are deposited.

"Domestic water" means water which is so used that, if contaminated, it would act as a vehicle for the exposure of humans to dangerous substances or disease causing organisms, including, but not limited to, water used for drinking, food preparation, dish washing, bathing and swimming.

"Hardrock well" means a well in which the water bearing strata occur in crystalline rock. Crystalline rock as used in this definition refers to rocks of both igneous and etamorphic origin including, but not limited to, granite, diorite, gabbro, schist and gneiss. Limestone and dolomite which commonly develop solution openings are also included.

"Health officer" means the building official of the city or his duly authorized representative.

"Individual domestic water well" means a well, the water from which is used to supply the domestic needs of no more than one individual residence or one duplex. However, if the property on which the well is constructed is two and one-half acres or more in area, an individual domestic well means a well the water from which is used to supply the domestic needs of not more than four individual residences or duplexes occupied by the owner or lessee of the land, his relatives or employees hired to perform services on the parcel.

"Industrial well" means a well used exclusively to supply water for industrial purposes. If any water from such a well is used for domestic purposes, the well shall be deemed to be a public domestic well.

"Injection well" means a well used to introduce water into the underground as a means of replenishing ground water basins.

"Monitoring wells" means an artificial excavation construction for the purpose of gathering information regarding the subterranean aquifer conditions for an extended period of time.

"Permittee" means the person who makes a permit application or a person on whose behalf such an application is made.

"Point driven wells" means a well constructed by driving into the ground a pipe fitted with a well point.

"Pollution" means an alteration of the quality of water by waste to a degree which unreasonably and adversely affects such water for beneficial uses, or facilities which serve such beneficial uses. The term pollution includes contamination.

"Public domestic water well" means any well the water from which is used to supply domestic water which is not an individual domestic water well as defined in this section.

"Reconstruction" means alteration, repair, restoration of a well shaft.

"River well" means a dug well located in or near a watercourse which draws water from that watercourse.

"Test hole" means an artificial excavation constructed for the purpose of gathering information regarding subterranean conditions preparatory to commencement of a well construction project.

"Water quality" means the chemical, physical, biological, bacteriological, radiological and other properties and characteristics of water affecting its use.

"Well" means any artificial excavation constructed by any method for the purpose of extracting water from, or injecting water or any other substance into, the underground or for the purpose of cathodic protection, except that this definition shall not include:

1. Oil and gas wells, or geothermal wells constructed under the jurisdiction of the department of conservation of the state of California, except those wells converted to use as water wells;

2. Wells used for the purpose of dewatering excavations during construction or stabilizing hillsides or earth embankments.

"Well contractor" means any person licensed pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California to engage in well drilling.

"Well development" means the use of one or more of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, overpumping, surging, introduction of chemicals and explosions, which are intended to, and usually have the effect of, increasing the flow of water from underground sources into the well shaft through perforations or through the bottom of the shaft by acting upon fine particles impeding the flow of such water.

"Well redevelopment" means the development of a previously existing well. (Prior code §§ 7765-- 7765.28)

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 13.16.090 and 13.16.100 and except as otherwise provided in well redevelopment of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to construct, deepen, reconstruct or destroy any well, or cause any of those acts to be done, unless a permit has first been issued to him or to the person on whose behalf the work is undertaken. Every permit shall be deemed to be conditioned upon compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The health officer may prescribe additional conditions if he determines that they are required to prevent contamination or pollution of underground waters. Permit conditions are appealable pursuant to Section 13.16.130. The permit shall expire on the one hundred eightieth calendar day after date of issuance if the work has not been started and reasonable progress toward completion has not been maintained, except that the health officer may extend the expiration date of the permit if he determines that the delay has been warranted. (Prior code § 7766)

Should persons or property be threatened by a sudden, unforeseen impairment in the quantity or quality of water available, so that it becomes necessary to obtain a new water supply or increase the existing supply and a permit cannot be obtained because city offices are not open, a well may be constructed, deepened or reconstructed without a permit. All work done under such emergency conditions shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. In all such cases, the person who caused the work to be done shall, within forty-eight (48) hours after such work is begun, excluding weekends and holidays, file a statement with the health officer indicating the reason for the emergency work. The health officer shall inspect the well and order the person who caused the emergency work to be done to perform such other and further work, if any, as shall be necessary to bring this well into conformity with the requirements of this chapter. The terms of such an order shall be deemed permit conditions within the meaning of Section 13.16.140. (Prior code § 7767)

A. No permit is required to install, replace, or repair a pump on an existing well or to redevelop an existing well. However, whenever such work requires that the sanitary seal be broken, the person doing the work shall make a record of the project, retain it for at least one year and make it available to the health officer on request.

B. No permit is required by this chapter for the construction of a seepage pit or evaporation pond constructed pursuant to this chapter. The foregoing provision shall not be construed to allow disposition of sewage, contaminants, toxic materials or other substances in such a seepage pit in a manner forbidden by Section 13.16.550.

C. Except as provided in Section 13.16.530, no permit is required to construct, reconstruct, deepen or destroy a river well.

D. No permit shall be required to install a surface seal required by Section 13.16.450 or a surface seal and annular seal required by Section 13.16.460. (Prior code § 7768)

A. Application for a permit required by Section 13.16.080 shall be made to the health officer. Such application shall be on forms furnished by the health officer and shall provide all information pertaining to the project required by the health officer. Every application shall be signed by the owner or lessee of the land on which the well is, or will be, located, or the owner of the easement which allows the con-struction of a well, or the authorized agent of any such person.

B. The following information shall be furnished:

1. Owner's name and address;

2. Intended use of well, whether domestic, agricultural, industrial, or other use;

3. Location of well by reference to street address, nearest streets or cross roads or other significant features and, when requested by the health officer, by reference to township, range and section;

4. Dimensioned plot plan indicating north direction, distances and location of existing and proposed structures, sewers or sewage disposal systems, other wells and any other potential source of contamination or pollution on the property or adjacent property within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the well or proposed well;

5. Well drilling contractor's name, address and contractor's license number;

6. Nature of the work to be done, whether construction, deepening or other work, and the method to be used, whether cable tool, rotary or other method;

• 7. Estimated depth of well when completed;
• 8. Size, gauge and type of casing;
• 9. Significant features of well (e.g., conductor casing or gravel pack).

C. In addition to the foregoing the health officer may require such other and further information relevant to the project as he may deem necessary to determine whether the public health and safety require the denial of the permit or the imposition of further conditions.

D. A permit may be denied for failure to supply any information required by or pursuant to this section which is known to, or by the exercise of reasonable diligence can be acquired by, the applicant. (Prior code § 7769)

Each application for a permit to construct, reconstruct, deepen, or abandon a water well shall be accompanied by a fee established by resolution of the city council. There shall be no fee for permits issued to the governmental entities and officers specified in Section 13.16.040(B). (Prior code § 7770)

A. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section and in Section 13.16.110, no permit shall be denied unless it appears that the project for which the permit is requested poses a substantial threat of pollution to the underground waters.

B. No permit shall issue for the construction, deepening or reconstruction of an individual domestic water well or a public domestic water well in a location in which sources of pollution or contamination are known to exist which may cause a well complying with the provisions of the well standards of this chapter to become polluted or contaminated; provided, however, that if no other source of potable water is available and if the health officer determines that such water may be rendered potable by appropriate treatment, a permit conditioned on the provision of facilities for such treatment may be issued.

C. No permit shall issue for the construction of a point driven public or private domestic water well; however, that where no water is available at a depth of greater than fifty (50) feet a permit may be issued for construction of a point driven well less than fifty (50) feet deep. Any permit for the construction of a point driven public domestic water well shall be conditioned upon provision of purification facilities adequate to insure that water produced will be and will remain potable. (Prior code § 7771)

If the health officer denies an application for permit, or issues a permit subject to conditions which the applicant believes to be unreasonable, the applicant may appeal to the city council for the decision of the health officer. The city council shall, within twenty (20) days after receipt of a written appeal, hold a hearing to determine whether the permit shall be issued to the applicant and, if a permit is to be issued, the terms and conditions under which it shall be issued. Such a hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 13.16.270 and may be continued from time to time by the council. The decision of the city council shall be rendered within seven days after the conclusion of the hearing and the decision shall be final as to all matters determined. (Prior code § 7772)

Judicial review of a decision of the city council made after a hearing pursuant to this chapter, if the decision denies the permit, shall be made pursuant to Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedures of the state of California. The method of judicial review, the time limits for judicial review, and all of the other provisions of said Section 1094.6 shall govern such judicial review. When giving written notice to the applicant that the permit has been denied, the city council shall provide notice to the applicant that the time within which judicial review must be sought is governed by said Section 1094.6. (Prior code § 7773)

Every project for which a permit is required by this chapter may be inspected by the health officer at such times as he deems advisable. (Prior code § 7774)

The building official may prescribe mandatory inspections of public domestic water well projects, and of projects on which he deems it likely that strata seals will be required pursuant to Section 13.16.430. The stage at which each such inspection is required shall be set forth in the permit. It is unlawful for any person to continue work on a project past the stage at which an inspection has been prescribed pursuant to this section until such inspection by the building official has been completed; except that, a permittee, or one acting on his behalf, may make an appointment with the building official, by telephone or otherwise, to have the inspection carried out at or following a time agreed upon at which it is contemplated the inspection stage will have been reached, but not less than twenty-four (24) hours following the time the appointment is made, and, if the building official does not appear to make the inspection within one hour following the time specified, work on the project may lawfully proceed. (Prior code § 7775)

It is unlawful to use a public domestic water well constructed, reconstructed or deepened after the effective date of this chapter until the building official has inspected it and determined that the water produced meets the standard prescribed by Section 13.16.520. An adverse determination shall be subject to review pursuant to Section 13.16.140. (Prior code § 7776)

Any person who installs pumping equipment and develops a well for public domestic supply shall, within thirty (30) days after completion, file a written report with the building official containing the following information:

A. Depth of water after developing the well;

B. The yield in gallons per minute with number of feet of drawdown after five or more continuous hours of pumping. The pumping time may be reduced if the building official determines that a problem exists for the disposal of water. (Prior code § 7778)

Information reported pursuant to Section 13.16.190 shall not be divulged except on written request of the person reporting such information or the permittee of the project. (Prior code § 7779)

It is unlawful for any person to fail to file the reports required by Section 13.16.190. (Prior code § 7780)

Whenever any well construction, destruction, pump installation or repair work is being done contrary to the requirements of this chapter, the permit or the notice of intent, the building official may order the work stopped by posting a notice to stop at the well site. It shall be unlawful to do further work after such notice has been posted. A stop order shall be subject to review pursuant to Section 13.16.140. (Prior code § 7781)

It is unlawful to perform any work for which a permit has been granted pursuant to this chapter without complying with the conditions of such permit. (Prior code § 7782)

Wells constructed, reconstructed, deepened or destroyed after the effective date of this chapter which are not constructed, reconstructed, deepened or destroyed in accordance with the terms of this chapter, including permit conditions added by the building official pursuant to authority granted by this chapter, and wells and test holes which are defective within the meaning of Section 13.16.520 are declared public nuisances which may be abated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The owner may abate the nuisance described hereinabove at any time prior to commencement of actual abatement by, or at the direction of, the building official. (Prior code § 7783)

Whenever the building official determines that a nuisance described in Section 13.16.240 exists, he shall deliver to the owner of the land upon which the nuisance has been determined by him to exist a written notice informing the owner of the determination that such nuisance exists. The notice shall state that unless the owner abates the nuisance within a time, following completion of service of the notice, therein stated, determined by the building official to be a reasonable time to accomplish such abatement, but not less than two weeks, or within such time files a notice of appeal with the clerk of the city council, the building official will abate the nuisance. It shall also state that the cost of such abatement may be added to the county assessment roll as a lien on the real property or placed on the unsecured tax roll. (Prior code § 7784)

The notice required by Section 13.16.250 shall be served by delivering it personally to the owner, or if he cannot, after diligent effort, be personally served, by placing it in the mail, with postage paid for certified mail, addressed to the owner as his address appears on the records of the county assessor. If service cannot with diligent effort be accomplished by personal delivery or by mail, notice may be given by posting a copy at the well site or by posting copies not more than one thousand (1,000) feet apart along the subject property. Notice by posting shall be deemed complete one week after posting. (Prior code § 7785)

The owner of property upon which the building official has determined that a nuisance described in Section 13.16.240 exists may request a hearing before the city council for review of such determination within the time specified in Section 13.16.250 by filing a written request therefore with the clerk of the city council. The request shall describe the property on which the nuisance has been determined to exist by street name and number and give the name of the owner and his address. The clerk shall set a date and time for hearing and send a notice thereof by regular mail at least ten days before such date to the owner at the address set forth on his request and shall notify the building official of such hearing. (Prior code § 7786)

At the date and time set, a hearing shall be held by the city council. The hearing shall be open to the public. The owner may be represented by counsel. The city council shall hear all pertinent evidence offered by all interested persons. The technical rules of evidence shall not be applicable to the hearing. All persons giving evidence shall be sworn before testifying. The owner may employ a shorthand reporter to report the hearing. The council may continue said hearing from time to time. (Prior code § 7787)

At the conclusion of the hearing if the city council determines that a public nuisance exists, it shall thereupon order the nuisance abated no sooner than thirty (30) days following the mailing by the clerk of the notice of the council's decision. The council shall determine whether the nuisance is to be abated by correction or destruction. (Prior code § 7788)

If a nuisance is not corrected or a hearing sought within the time specified pursuant to Section 13.16.250, or if, after hearing, a nuisance is not abated pursuant to, and in the time required by, Section 13.16.290, the building official shall cause the nuisance to be abated and for that purpose he and others at his direction, may enter the property where the nuisance exists. (Prior code § 7789)

The building official shall keep an account of the cost of abatement and render a report in writing to the city council showing such cost. Upon receipt of the account of the building official, the clerk of the city council shall deposit a copy of the account in the mail addressed to the owner and include therewith a notice informing the owner that, at a date and time selected by the clerk, but not less than ten days after the date of mailing of the notice, the council will review the account and that the owner may appear at said time and be heard. (Prior code § 7790)

At the time fixed, the city council shall meet to review the report of the building official. The owner may appear at said time and be heard on the questions whether the accounting is accurate and the amounts reported reasonable. The report of the building official shall be admitted into evidence. The owner shall bear the burden of proving that the accounting is not accurate and reasonable. The hearing shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in Section 13.16.280. The city council shall make such modifications in the accounting as it deems necessary and thereafter shall confirm the report by resolutions. (Prior code § 7791)

The city council may order that the cost of abating nuisances pursuant to this chapter be placed upon the county tax roll by the county auditor as special assessments against the land, or placed on the unsecured roll, in accordance with the provisions of Section 25845 of the Government Code of the state of California. (Prior code § 7792)

A. Except as otherwise provided, no well hereafter constructed shall be located closer than the indicated horizontal distances from the following:

Front property line 25 feet

Other property line 5 feet

Septic tank 50 feet

Leach line or disposal field 100 feet

Metallic sewer line 25 feet

Non-metallic sewer line 50 feet

Seepage pit 150 feet

B. No well hereafter constructed shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet of an area in which animals or fowl, fed by means other than grazing, are confined or restrained, except when a physical barrier prevents drainage or percolation from the confinement into the well.

C. No domestic well hereafter constructed shall be located within fifty (50) feet of another well, except that an individual domestic well hereafter constructed may be located within fifty (50) feet of another individual domestic well.

D. When the building official determines that an extraordinary danger of pollution or contamination exists, the building official may increase the setback requirements specified in this section.

E. The setback restrictions contained in this section are not violated when the location of a septic tank, leach or disposal field, solid sewer line, or seepage pit on property of another is not known to the permittee and could not by the exercise of reasonable diligence have been discovered.

F. Cathodic protection wells are not subject to the setback from property line provisions of this section. (Prior code § 7793)

The well casing shall extend not less than one-half inch above the top of the concrete base required by this chapter. At the time of completion of the well, the top of the casing shall be sealed with a weatherproof plate or cap, securely fastened in place. (Prior code § 7794)

Subsections (a) and (b) of Subsection 2 of Subsection A of Section 12 of Part II of Chapter II of state of California Department of Water Resources Bulletin No. 74 are referred to, adopted and made a part of this chapter with the same effect as if fully set forth herein. Any casing manufactured in accordance with the standards therein established may be used in the construction or reconstruction of wells. Casing made of high carbon steel for which no specifications are established and casing made of material other than steel may be used upon a showing by the permittee that such material will withstand pressures reasonably to be anticipated. In no case may wood or downspout be used for casing. No damaged, defective or factory reject casing shall be used. All casing shall be watertight, except for perforations. (Prior code § 7795)

Where steel casing is used it shall be not less than the thickness set forth in the following table:

(Prior code § 7796)

The casing of domestic water wells shall not be perforated within fifty (50) feet of the ground surface if the depth of the well is greater than fifty (50) feet. When possible, the uppermost perforations shall be below an impervious stratum in an aquifer of good quality water. If a domestic water well with perforations fifty (50) feet or less from the ground surface is deepened, the perforations fifty (50) feet or less in depth shall be sealed off to prevent commingling of water from that level with deeper water. (Prior code § 7797)

Where an individual domestic well has a depth of sixty-five (65) feet or less, only the bottom one-fourth of the casing shall be perforated; provided, that the building official, after submission to him of sufficient evidence that the well will not be thereby polluted or contaminated, may permit perforations above the bottom one-fourth of the casing. Wherever possible, the perforations shall be kept below an impervious stratum. (Prior code § 7798)

Public domestic wells shall have an annular seal. On a public domestic well the space between the wall of the bore and the well casing or the conductor casing, if the conductor casing is left in place, shall be grouted to a depth of not less than fifty (50) feet from the ground surface except as follows:

A. In the event the space between the wall of the bore and the conductor casing cannot be grouted to a depth of fifty (50) feet, the space shall be grouted to the greatest depth possible and the space between the well casing and the conductor casing shall be grouted to a depth of not less than fifty (50) feet from the ground surface in such a manner that the grout will be forced out into the space between the wall of the bore and the conductor casing at the fifty (50) foot level. The grout shall form an effective seal which will preclude the vertical movement of water along the outside of the conductor casing between those aquifer lying above and below the fifty (50) foot level from the ground surface. In such cases, a gravel fill pipe may be installed through the annular seal on gravel packed walls.

B. Public domestic wells extending into hard rock shall be grouted no less than one foot into the first hard rock encountered.

C. Public domestic wells less than sixty-five (65) feet deep shall conform to requirements set by the building official at the time the permit is issued. (Prior code § 7799)

Individual domestic wells shall have an annular seal. On an individual domestic well the space between the wall of the bore and the well casing or the conductor casing, if the conductor casing is left in place, shall be grouted to a depth of not less than fifty (50) feet on wells drilled by the rotary method and not less than twenty (20) feet on wells constructed by other methods. (Prior code § 7800)

Agricultural and industrial wells located within one hundred (100) feet of a domestic well or source of contamination and all air conditioning wells shall meet the annular seal requirements set forth in Section 13.16.400. (Prior code § 7801)

A. Whenever a well penetrates one or more aquifers containing water the quality of which is such that the quality of water produced by the well, or the quality of water in other aquifers, will be significantly reduced if the waters are allowed to intermingle, the aquifer containing the low quality water shall be sealed so as to prevent such intermingling. Whenever an aquifer is required to be sealed, a ten foot annular seal shall be formed in the confining formations, except that where the well shaft ends in the aquifer to be sealed, the seal need not be extended into the lower confining formation so long as the bottom of the shaft is sealed. There shall be no casing perforations in the aquifer to be sealed.

B. When drilling a well, if the driller drills through a layer of clay which is twenty (20) feet or more in thickness, the casing shall not be perforated both above and below the clay if both the following conditions occur:

1. The difference in water quality above and below the clay is more than five hundred (500) micromhos as specified electrical conductance or more than three hundred (300) milligrams per liter as total dissolved solids; and

2. The well is located in an area which is designated by the building official as a salinity problem area on a current map of the known salinity problem areas in the city prepared by, and on file in the office of, the building official. Said map shall be revised by the building official from time to time to show the areas in the city where salinity problems are known to exist after consultation with well drillers generally and other interested groups and individuals. (Prior code § 7802)

All annular seals shall be of neat cement grout, quick setting cement or bentonite the composition of which shall conform to requirements of Subsection 9 of Part II of Chapter II of state of California Department of Water Resources Bulletin No. 74 which is referred to, adopted and made a part of this chapter with the same effect as if fully set forth herein. The building official may accept other materials when they have been demonstrated to form acceptable seals which preclude the vertical movement of water along the outside of the well casing. All annular seals shall be poured in one continuous process unless otherwise specified on the permit. The annual seal shall be a minimum of two inches thick at all depths, except the annular seal for hardrock wells shall be a minimum of one inch thick at all depths. In no event shall the thickness of an annular seal be less than three times the diameter of the largest aggregate used in the sealing material. (Prior code § 7803)

All water wells shall be provided with a watertight concrete base poured in a single, continuous operation on thoroughly compacted earth. Except for individual domestic wells, the base shall have a minimum total thickness of fourteen (14) inches of which at least ten inches shall extend above the ground level at the casing. The base of individual domestic wells shall have a minimum total thickness of four inches. The base shall extend horizontally in all directions at least one foot from the outside of the well casing or the wall of the bore hold on gravel packed wells. The concrete base shall be adequately sloped so as to drain water away from the well casing to the edge of the base. The building official may approve a base of a different design where the variation from this pattern of construction would serve a practical purpose or is essential to the integrity or utility of the well and will not lessen well protection. (Prior code § 7804)

All public domestic water wells constructed prior to the effective date of this chapter which do not have an effective surface seal shall be provided with a concrete base which meets the requirements of Section 13.16.450 and shall comply with the requirements of Sections 13.16.480 and 13.16.490. They shall also have an annular seal two inches thick which extends down the outside of the outermost casing not less than three feet from the ground surface. A public domestic well which, within one year after the effective date of this chapter, does not meet all the requirements of this section shall be deemed a public nuisance within the meaning of Section 13.16.240. It is unlawful to maintain such a nuisance. (Prior code § 7805)

Public domestic wells shall be provided with a sample spigot on the pump discharge line as close to the pump as practical. The sample spigot shall be on the discharge side of the check valve when a check valve is installed. The spout of the spigot shall not be threaded unless the pump has a check valve. (Prior code § 7806)

A. All wells constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall have a check valve, air gap of which will prevent water from the discharge line from flowing into the well.

B. Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this chapter, all existing public domestic wells shall have a device of the type described in subsection (A) of this section and it is unlawful, and a public nuisance, to maintain a well without such a device.

C. The devices of the type required to be installed under subsections (A) and (B) of this section shall be placed as close to the pump as practical.

D. It is unlawful to inject any herbicide, chemical or any other pollutant into the discharge line of a well which is not equipped with a device of the type described in subsection (A) of this section. (Prior code § 7807)

All wells shall be provided with a pipe or other effective means by which disinfectants can be introduced into the well or the depth of the well may be measured. The pipe, if provided, shall be extended to a height of not less than three inches above the concrete base and shall be kept sealed and shall be provided with a threaded cap. On public domestic wells, the pipe shall also serve as an air relief vent, terminate downward, be covered with sixteen (16) per inch or finer wire mesh screen and be protected against the possibility of contamination by material entering the pipe. (Prior code § 7808)

After the pump has been installed, all domestic wells shall be disinfected with a solution containing at least fifty (50) parts per million available chlorine, which shall remain in the well for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) hours or by an equivalent method of disinfection satisfactory to the building official, and such procedure shall be repeated on all public domestic wells as necessary to produce water which will yield negative results on two consecutive biological samples tested in the manner prescribed in Section 13.16.530. The gravel used in domestic gravel packed wells shall be disinfected by mixing one-half pound of tablets containing seventy (70) percent available chlorine with each tone of gravel introduced to the well. The chlorine tablets shall be evenly distributed throughout the volume of gravel used. (Prior code § 7809)

After the effective date of this chapter, pumps and pump motors installed or reinstalled directly over the casing of any well shall be provided with a sanitary seal between the pump base and the concrete base or between the well casing and the pump column pipe. Wells on which a submersible pump or a pump offset from the casing is installed or reinstalled shall have a steel plate fitted over the top of the casing with a watertight seal between the plate and the casing and between the casing and any pipes or conduits which enter the well through the steel plate. No pipe or conduit shall enter the casing from the side except access, air vent, and pump discharge pipes as required by this chapter. Holes in the base of the pump which open into the well shall be sealed. (Prior code § 7810)

Before being placed in service, all wells developed or redeveloped shall be thoroughly cleaned of all foreign substances. (Prior code § 7811)

The city council finds that, because an adequate supply of groundwater exists, it is not practical or desirable to construct public domestic river wells. No permit shall be issued for construction of a domestic river well. (Prior code § 7812)

Cathodic protection wells shall be constructed in conformance with the cathodic well standards set forth in the state of California Department of Water Resources Bulletin No. 74-1 which is referred to, adopted and made a part of this chapter, with the same effect as if fully set forth herein. (Prior code § 7814)

Injection, disposal and air conditioning wells are subject to the requirements of Sections 13.16.340 to 13.16.360 both inclusive, 13.16.410, 13.16.440, that portion of 13.16.450 applicable to individual domestic wells, and that portion of 13.16.500 application to wells having submersible pumps. In addition, disposal water injected into any water bearing formation through a disposal, injection or air conditioning well shall not cause the temperature of the adjacent ground water at any point greater than fifty (50) feet in a horizontal direction from such well to increase more than eight degrees Fahrenheit. Disposal water which so heats the ground water is a contaminant. It is unlawful to introduce into a disposal well greater than forty (40) feet in depth or penetrating a water bearing formation, sewage, contaminants, toxic materials or other substances which will alter the existing ground water quality or cause the existing ground water in the disposal area to be contaminated. A sampling tap shall be provided on all disposal and injection wells in such a manner that water, representative of the water entering the well, may be withdrawn. (Prior code § 7815)

It is the duty of every owner of land on which there exists a well or test hole which impairs, or allows the impairment of, the quality of the underground water or water bearing formations or constitutes a health or safety hazard to correct the defective conditions or to destroy the well or test hole. Whenever a well or test hole is corrected pursuant to this section, that correction shall be deemed a reconstruction and shall be performed pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. This section shall not be construed to require a permit for installation of a surface seal and annular seal pursuant to Section 13.16.460. (Prior code § 7816)

It is the duty of every owner of land on which there is a well or test hole which is not being used to cap the well or test hole with a watertight seal and keep the well site free of trash, weeds and debris. Whenever any well or test hole is capped, notice shall be sent to the building official stating the owner's name, the location of the well or test hole, the fact that it has been taken out of service and the anticipated date of return to service if that date is known. Any owner who willfully fails to perform the duties imposed by this section or who introduces or knowingly allows sewage or other pollutants to flow into an out of service well, test hole or dry well shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Prior code § 7817)

Except as provided in Sections 13.16.590 and 13.16.600, well destruction shall be accomplished by clearing the shaft of any obstructions, if possible, and filling the shaft in the following manner:

A. The water well shafts shall be filled to within twenty (20) feet of the surface with inorganic material. The top twenty (20) feet of the shaft shall be filled with impervious material. If an annular space exists, the casing shall be perforated twenty (20) feet from the surface and the impervious material allowed to flow into and seal the annular space. (Prior code § 7818)

Where a well penetrates one or more aquifers containing water the quality of which is such that the quality of water in other aquifers will be significantly reduced if the waters are allowed to intermingle, in addition to the impervious seal required by Section 13.16.580, the building official shall require that the shaft be sealed at such depths and in such a manner that no such intermingling of waters will occur through the shaft or through the annular space. (Prior code § 7819)

Whenever a well to be destroyed is located on a parcel one-half acre or less in area on which is located one or more dwellings, a hole shall be excavated around the well casing to a depth of six feet below the ground surface. The well casing shall be removed to within six inches of the bottom of the hole. The well shaft must be filled in the manner provided in Sections 13.16.580 and 13.16.590; except, that the depth to which impervious fill is required shall be measured from the bottom of the hole excavated pursuant to this section rather than from the surface of the surrounding ground. Such impervious fill shall be allowed to spill over into the excavation to form an effective seal. After such impervious fill has set, the excavation shall be filled with native soil. (Prior code § 7820)

Impervious materials used in well destruction must have a coefficient of permeability of less than one hundred (100) feet per year. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, neat cement grout, concrete and bentonite clays. Materials which maybe used as inorganic fill include, but are not limited to, clay, sand, silt, native soils and any of the impervious materials referred to above. No fill material shall contain matter which will pollute the underground water. Used drilling mud shall not be used as a fill material. (Prior code § 7821)

A. Any person violating any of the provisions of Sections 13.16.530, 13.16.550 and 13.16.570 which are declared to be unlawful shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided in Section 1.12.010.

B. Any person violating any of the provisions of Section 13.16.210 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00).

C. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter which are declared to be unlawful, other than Sections 13.16.210, 13.16.530, 13.16.550 and 13.16.570, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (Prior code § 7822)