Private Well Permitting and Abandonment
Superior Water, Light & Power (SWLP) provides drinking water sourced from Lake Superior, protecting groundwater remains important for our community and the environment. Many residents in Wisconsin rely on groundwater from private wells for drinking water, and groundwater also supports agricultural, commercial, and industrial activities throughout the state.
Groundwater can become contaminated through a variety of activities. One significant concern is old or unused private wells that have not been properly abandoned. Unused wells can provide a direct pathway for contaminants to enter underground aquifers. Wells that are left open or deteriorate over time may allow surface water, chemicals, bacteria, or other pollutants to reach groundwater supplies.
The purpose of private well regulations is to protect public health, safety, and groundwater resources by ensuring that unused, unsafe, or non-compliant wells are either properly maintained or permanently abandoned according to state requirements.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) requires municipalities to regulate private wells within their jurisdictions. Property owners who are connected to the municipal water system but still have a private well on their property may be required to either properly abandon the well in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 812 or obtain any required permits for continued use.
Proper well abandonment helps protect groundwater resources for current and future generations while reducing potential safety risks on private property.
Private Well Permitting
To obtain a well operation permit the following items must be completed:
- Submit a permit application to the City or Village.
- Pay the applicable permit fee ($35).
- Permit remains valid for up to 5 years.
- Have the well inspected every 10 years by a licensed well driller.
Well permits need to be applied for on the City of Superior's website. Applicants must first create an account (upper right-hand corner) and then search for "Water Well Operation" permit.
This is the portal: City of Superior Permit Portal
Helpful Links
Private Well Abandonment
Well abandonment is the permanent filling and sealing of a well that is no longer being used. The process prevents surface water, pollutants, and other contaminants from entering groundwater through an unused well.
Under Wisconsin law, only licensed well drillers and licensed pump installers may fill and seal wells. The work must be completed in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter NR 812.
The following is a link of WI DNR Approved Licensed Inspectors, Filling and Sealing Contactors, Fillers and Pump Installers: Wisconsin DNR Well Contacts
Steps to follow to abandon well:
- Determine if the well is active or unused.
- Hire a licensed WI well driller to fill and seal the well.
- Submit the required abandonment documentation.
- Complete abandonment within one year of connecting to municipal water service.
The following is a link to the WI DNR website where you can find grant information: Well Abandonment Grant Information