| Private Wells |
 During the summer of 2006, the North Carolina Legislature mandated that rules be developed to regulate private drinking water well construction. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has encouraged counties to adopt rules and begin enforcement by July 1, 2007.
Carteret County Environmental Health is working to meet this mandate. On March 12, 2007 the Carteret County Board of Health adopted the
Carteret County Private Drinking Water Well Rules. The effective date of the Rules is July 1, 2007. The Carteret County rules will remain in effect until the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Private Drinking Water Well Rules take effect on July 1, 2008. The change from county rules to state rules will be essentially undetectable by the public. The process for application, permitting, inspection and analysis will remain the same.
Once enforcement of the rules begins, an application shall be submitted to the Health Department for all proposed private drinking water wells in Carteret County. The process will be similar to that of obtaining an on-site wastewater permit.
Application and Permitting Process
Once enforcement of the rules begins, an application shall be submitted to the Health Department for all proposed private drinking water wells in Carteret County. The process will be similar to that of obtaining an on-site wastewater permit.
What is a private drinking water well?
A private drinking water well is a well that either serves 14 or fewer connections or 24 or fewer individuals. This includes wells that serve private homes and small businesses.
How do I get a permit for a private drinking water well?
When a private drinking water well is needed an application must be submitted to the local health department. An Environmental Health Specialist will visit the property to ensure that the location of the proposed well can be approved with respect to setbacks from on-site wastewater systems, surface water, and other potential sources of contamination. After site approval has been given, a permit will be issued with a specific location for the well and any instruction pertinent to the construction of the well.
Will my well be inspected?
Throughout well construction, the Environmental Health Specialist will visit the sight several times to ensure proper grouting, well head construction including the well seal, and to sample for possible bacterial and nutrient contaminants. Once the building construction is complete, an operation permit will be issued if the well meets all of the required construction standards. This means that the well is approved for use.
 What if bacteria is found in my well?
The local health department will advise you in the treatment of your well if bacterial contamination is present after the initial chlorination. The well will need to be re-chlorinated and re-sampled. If this does not eliminate bacterial contamination, the State can be consulted.
What are nutrient contaminates?
After construction is complete, a sample for nutrient content will be sent to the State Lab for analysis. The nutrients screened include: pH, arsenic, lead, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, hardness, alkalinity, nitrates, nitrites, chloride and fluoride.
Many of these contaminants are not hazardous to human health in low doses. Knowing the nutrient content that occurs naturally in your water can help when deciding whether or not water treatment is necessary, and if so, what water treatment equipment best suits your needs. Knowing what nutrients are found in your water can also help you and your doctor determine whether or not supplements to your diet are needed. If a hazardous contaminant, such as lead or arsenic, is found at levels unsafe for human consumption, the State may be consulted.
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Links
NC General Assembly, Session Law 2006-202, House Bill 2873:
An Act to Require Permitting and Inspection of New Private Drinking Water Well and to Require Water Quality Testing of Private Drinking Water Wells
North Carolina Division of Water Quality Subchapter 2C Rules
Private Drinking Water Well Sampling and Testing 15A NCAC 18A Section .3800
North Carolina Rules Governing the Sanitation of Protection of Water Supply Rules, 15A NCAC 18A .1700
Well Contractor Certification Rules Chapter 27, Section .0100
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources – On-site Water Protection – Private Well Branch
Well Application
NCSU Extension Services, Publications on Drinking Water Quality
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