Testing Requirements for New Private and Semipublic Wells

The Bethel Health Department requires that new private wells have the water quality testing done per the state DPH regulations CGS Sec. 19a-37 (c)(2), which outlines the required testing of new private wells and semipublic wells, including:
 
On and after October 1, 2022, the owner of each newly constructed private well or semipublic well shall test the water quality of such well. Such test shall be performed by a laboratory and include, but need not be limited to, testing for coliform, nitrate, nitrite, sodium, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness, turbidity, pH, sulfate, apparent color, odor, arsenic and uranium. If such a well is constructed for an existing structure, a first draw sample collected from the existing plumbing system shall also be tested for lead. The owner shall submit test results to the local health authority where the well is located in a form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Public Health. Such local health authority shall determine whether the test results comply with the maximum contaminant levels, as prescribed by sections 19-13-B101 and 19-13-B102 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies. A newly constructed private well or semipublic well shall not be used for domestic purposes until the local health authority determines that the test results comply with such maximum contaminant levels. E coli bacterial testing should be done as well.
 
See link to the current applicable statute for testing of private wells and semipublic wells below.
 
- a local director of health may require "when reasonable ground exist" under CGS Sec. 19a-37 (f)(1) and (f)(2) for additional water quality testing to be done as well. 
See regulation comments below:

(f) (1) The local director of health may require a private well or semipublic well to be tested for arsenic, radium, uranium, radon or gross alpha emitters, when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that such contaminants are present in the groundwater. For purposes of this subsection, “reasonable grounds” means (A) the existence of a geological area known to have naturally occurring arsenic, radium, uranium, radon or gross alpha emitter deposits in the bedrock; or (B) the well is located in an area in which it is known that arsenic, radium, uranium, radon or gross alpha emitters are present in the groundwater.

(2) The local director of health may require a private well or semipublic well to be tested for pesticides, herbicides or organic chemicals when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that any such contaminants might be present in the groundwater. For purposes of this subsection, “reasonable grounds” means (A) the presence of nitrate-nitrogen in the groundwater at a concentration greater than ten milligrams per liter, or (B) that the private well or semipublic well is located on land, or in proximity to land, associated with the past or present production, storage, use or disposal of organic chemicals as identified in any public record.

 
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