Water Well Standards and Guidlines

Article 195 Water Well Standards and Guidelines

Sec. 195.1 General. VCMWD may, from time to time, decide to drill water wells, or agree with property owners (suppliers) to take water from wells they drill. The water acquired could be utilized in the potable or nonpotable system. These water well standards have the twofold purpose of protecting the water utilized in the District’s system and protecting the groundwater.

Sec. 195.2 Wells Owned by VCMWD. All VCMWD work associated with wells will be in accordance with “Water Well Standards: State of California 74-81, Supplement 74-90,” and any current requirements by the State which may supersede the standards or requirements shown here. Wells utilized for water supply, potable or nonpotable, will conform to all applicable requirements of the State Department of Water Resources and the State Department of Health Services.

Sec. 195.3 Privately Owned Wells Supplying VCMWD. VCMWD may consider purchasing water from privately owned well suppliers. These wells will be in accordance with “Water Well Standards: State of California 74-81, Supplement 74-90,” and any current requirements by the State which may supersede the standards or requirements shown here. Wells utilized for water supply, potable or nonpotable, will conform to all applicable requirements of the State Department of Water Resources and the State Department of Health Services.

Sec. 195.4 Water Rights Issues. It is the responsibility of the supplier to determine and verify that the supplier has the rights to the water and can sell or transfer that water for the use of VCMWD. The agreement between the supplier and VCMWD will contain language that the supplier will be responsible for defending VCMWD should water rights issues arise.

Sec. 195.5 Property Owner Initiation. VCMWD staff will consult with the supplier who is interested in determining if supplying well water is feasible. The supplier must then submit a preliminary report prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer or Hydrologist outlining the proposal, together with a deposit covering VCMWD staff time. If the project is determined to be feasible, VCMWD staff will prepare an agreement for approval by VCMWD’s Board of Directors. The supplier must advance funds to pay for VCMWD costs for review and inspection by all required regulatory agencies.

Per Ordinance No. 96-7 adopted 8/19/96 [Article 195]

Sec. 195.6 Potable Water Supply Wells. Wells intended to provide water to VCMWD’s potable water supply system must meet all applicable requirements for the State of California, Department of Health Services, for water wells for a public water supply. There are construction and installation standards, water quality standards, and disinfection standards. A supplier intending to provide a well water supply for potable use may confer with VCMWD staff to obtain the latest requirements.

Pipelines and appurtenances connecting the well with the District’s system must comply with the District’s Standard Specifications for the Construction of Water Mains and Facilities.

Sec. 195.7 Nonpotable Water Supply Wells. Wells intended to supply water to any VCMWD nonpotable systems are required to meet all State and local requirements and are to be installed in accordance with the regulations for construction of nonpotable water facilities. The well must be protected from backflow from the system to the well with a VCMWD approved backflow device. Pipelines and appurtenances must be constructed in accordance with VCMWD’s Standard Specifications for Nonpotable Water Facilities. Nonpotable water intended to be used in the VCMWD system must meet water quality standards for its intended use. VCMWD reserves the right to refuse water that does not meet the mineral limitations.

Sec. 195.8 Ownership of Facilities. Unless otherwise agreed, the well and all facilities to supply water to the District’s supply system will be owned by the supplier and it will be the supplier’s responsibility to maintain all the facilities to meet all the requirements of the VCMWD and other regulatory agencies and to provide insurance coverage in accordance with District requirements during the duration of water purchases by the District. The supplier must provide VCMWD with a recorded agreement to access the facilities for review and inspection. The supplier must provide the District with a means of controlling the flow of water under the District’s exclusive control.

Sec. 195.9 Payment Amount for the Water Delivered. VCMWD staff will negotiate with the supplier for a unit cost of water at each location which must be approved by the Board. Factors to be considered will include VCMWD’s “wholesale” water cost, pump zone, water quality, maximum and/or minimum volumes proposed or available, estimated extra District staff time, extra regulatory action, and other factors that may be involved with additional sources of water to the system.