Private Wells
Private Wells in the City of La Crosse
The City of La Crosse allows private wells within city limits. Most of these wells are used for cooling systems, but some are still used to provide drinking water for residential properties.
Local Requirements
The purpose of these requirements is to:
- Protect public health
- Prevent groundwater contamination
- Ensure private wells are properly maintained or safely abandoned
This helps reduce risks from:
- Unused or unsafe wells
- Wells that do not meet current standards
- Wells that could allow contamination into groundwater
- Illegal cross-connections with the municipal water system
Most private wells must:
- Be permitted if they are in use
- Be properly abandoned if no longer in use
These requirements apply to all wells located within the City of La Crosse and properties served by the La Crosse Water Utility.
When a Permit Is NOT Required
A private well does not need a permit if:
- It is a residential well used for drinking water and the property is not connected to the municipal water system
OR
- The well water does not enter any building that is connected to the municipal water system
Abandonment
Well Abandonment Requirements
Domestic wells can allow contaminants from the surface to enter groundwater. For example, an opening in a basement floor may appear to be a drain, but it could actually be an old well. If not properly sealed, contaminants can enter the groundwater.
Proper well abandonment means permanently sealing the well so there is no connection between the ground surface and groundwater. This protects the drinking water supply.
Under Wisconsin law, only licensed well drillers and pump installers may fill and seal wells. All work must follow Wisconsin Administrative Code NR Chapter 812.
A list of licensed well drillers and pump installers is available on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
Required for Well Abandonment
If the online form is not available, paper copies can be obtained from the La Crosse Utilities Office. The licensed contractor is responsible for completing and submitting the form.
Property Owner Responsibilities
- Ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted.
- Obtain a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Confirm submission before making final payment to the contractor.
Submission to the Utility
A copy of the completed abandonment paperwork must also be sent to:
La Crosse Water Utility
400 La Crosse Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Or emailed to: utilities@cityoflacrosse.org
Operation Permit
- Any home or building used by people located along a street with a public water main, or with reasonable access to one, must be connected to the public water system with its own service line.
However, a private well may continue to be used if:
The well may remain in use until it requires repair or replacement.
Private Well Permit Requirements
Property owners who wish to continue using a private well must apply for a permit within one year after connecting to the municipal water system.
Before a permit is issued, all of the following must be met:
- The well and pump must meet Wisconsin Administrative Code NR Chapter 812 §42 standards for existing wells
- A licensed well driller or pump installer must verify compliance
- The well must have a safe water history, including at least one satisfactory coliform bacteria test
- There must be NO connection between the private well and the municipal water system
- The required Private Well Permit fee must be paid
Submit the Private Well Permit Application to:
La Crosse Water Utility
400 La Crosse Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Permit Terms
- Permits are valid for up to five years
- Permits cannot be transferred to a new owner
- Permits become void upon property sale
The Water Utility must be notified at least 10 business days prior to a property sale. This notice must include contact information for the new owner responsible for the well.
If Requirements Are Not Met
- The well must be properly abandoned, OR
- Repairs or upgrades must be completed before a permit can be issued
Additional Resources
La Crosse County
Have Your Water Tested Today
For more information or to pick up a water testing kit, contact:
La Crosse County Health Department
300 4th St N
La Crosse, WI 54601
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)