All domestic personal use and lawn and garden water wells installed in the city limits of Wichita require a permit prior to drilling. The homeowner or a licensed well driller may obtain aWater Well Permit Application online or from The Office of Environmental Health.

The permit application form may be submitted by fax, mail, or directly to the Environmental Services Department. A site plan must be received along with $150 fee (includes application fee and inspection fee) prior to application approval by the department.

Once the well has been installed the homeowner shall notify the Environmental Services Department for inspection. The well installer is required to complete the drilling form WWC-5 and return it to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Environmental Services Department within 30 days of drilling the well. Water well owners are completely responsible for overseeing the security of their groundwater.

Testing

The Office of Environmental Health Department recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates. For potential buyers of property with an existing well The Office of Environmental Health (OEH) offers inspection services, and reporting.

Surrounding land uses and past history of property can offer clues on what tests to run. Brochures available through the Sedgwick County Extension Service, (316) 722-7721, are valuable resources. "Suggested Water Tests for Private Systems" and "Questions to Ask Before Buying Water Treatment Equipment" are both excellent resources.

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