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Information for Pennsylvania-licensed Professional Geologists

The water supplier (project applicant) may propose use of a new source at a noncommunity water system in the form of a well in absence of documentation that it is cased and grouted. However, such a proposal must involve the services of a Pennsylvania-licensed geologist to document the existing construction features, most importantly that the well is cased and grouted. On behalf of the project applicant, the geologist must complete the Well Construction Demonstration Datasheet for Existing Wells and the Well Risk Assessment Form, both part of Module 1. The geologist must perform the tasks listed below:

  • Field inspection and downhole methods to determine existing construction features.
  • Creation of a scaled well-construction log.
  • Written description of why the well in its current state is protective of public health.

Once the well is field-surveyed and properly developed, the geologist may be requested by the project applicant to conduct a pumping test and collect water-quality samples to determine the sustainable pumping rate of the well. The pumping-test operator must execute the test and complete the associated forms according to the instructions provided in Module 1. The test must be conducted on a properly developed well and the pump-depth setting for the test must be the same as the final depth setting in the finished well.

Additional information may be obtained by using the Responsibilities of the Project Applicant for Approval of a New Well Source New Source Approval: Existing Well in Absence of Documentation of Grouted Well Casing link provided on this webpage.

Where can I find technical guidance on source approval at a noncommunity water system?

Technical guidance on new source approvals for a noncommunity water system can be found in the DEP publications listed below:

Public Water Supply Manual, Part IV, Noncommunity System Design Standards, DEP ID: 383-2128-108

Noncommunity Water System Application Module 1 – Groundwater Source, DEP ID: 3940-FM-BSDW0568a