If the old water well is not used, it is considered abandoned and must be sealed since it provides a pathway for pollutants to enter the ground water. The Lake County Code, Chapter 170 and the Illinois Water Well Construction Code both indicate that an abandoned well must be sealed within 30 days after its use is terminated. Have the water well driller contact the Lake County Health Department a minimum of 24 hours prior to the sealing of the old water well. A representative from the department will verify the sealing of the water well. The old well should be sealed within 30 days of approval of the new well.If public water supply is made available to a dwelling with a well, a well contractor should apply and pay for a Lake County Health Department water well sealing application. The Lake County Health Department should be contacted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the sealing of the water well. A representative from the department will verify the sealing of the water well. The old well should be sealed within 30 days of the dwelling being connected to the municipal supply.
If one desires to maintain and use their well as a non-potable water supply for outdoor watering, you must contact the Lake County Health Department to schedule an inspection to determine if your well is in compliance. Once the well has been determined to be in compliance the well will be required to be registered as a “Supplemental Irrigation Well” at the Lake County Recorder of Deed’s Office for a fee.