WATER WELL - CODE 642

Sep 29, 2026

Conservation Practice Standard WATER WELL (Code 642) defines a water supply well constructed into an aquifer and establishes its intended uses, including livestock watering, fire control, wildlife, and agricultural applications. It details general and site-suitability criteria covering legal compliance, investigation and design requirements, and responsibilities of the landowner for permits and water rights. It also specifies siting guidance to avoid hazards, flooding risks, contamination sources, and provides requirements for wellhead protection and key installation elements such as borehole geometry, casing sizing, and grouting seals.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Definition

Purpose

Conditions Where Practice Applies

Criteria

Law and regulations

Suitability of Site

Wellhead Protection

Well Borehole and Installation

Casing Diameter

Grouting and Sealing the Casing

United States Department of Agriculture 642-CPS-1 Natural Resources Conservation Service CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD WATER WELL CODE 642 (no) DEFINITION A hole drilled, dug, driven, bored, jetted, or otherwise constructed into an aquifer for water supply. PURPOSE This practice is used to accomplish the following purpose: • To provide access to a groundwater supply suitable for livestock watering, fire control, wildlife, and other agricultural uses CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES CRITERIA General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Law and regulations The investigation, design, and installation of an agricultural water supply well must comply with all applicable governmental regulations, laws, permits, licenses, and registrations. In particular, federal law requires: • A proposed well that has a domestic usage component must comply with criteria in ANSI/AWWA American National Standard, A100-06, 2007; • A proposed irrigation well must comply with criteria in ANSI/ASAE American National Standard, EP400.3, 2007; • The well design and installation must follow applicable industry consensus standards; • Potential effects of installation and operation of the well on cultural, historical, archeological, paleontological, or scientific resources at or near the site need to be investigated. Colorado statutes govern the use of underground water. Well planning, design, and installation shall be in accordance with the most recent version of the State of Colorado 2 CCR 102-2 “Rules and Regulations for Water Well Construction, Pump Installation, and Monitoring and Observation Hole/Well Construction”(WWCR) as set forth by the State of Colorado – State Board of Examiners. It is the responsibility of the landowner to comply with all Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws. The landowner is responsible for obtaining all permits and water rights. Suitability of Site Use reliable local experience and all available relevant geologic maps, reports, and well records maintained by State and Federal agencies. Review design, construction, and maintenance records of nearby wells to help determine whether groundwater is available in sufficient quantity and of the desired quality for the intended use. If local hydrogeologic data are limited or if conditions are complex and NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide online by going to the NRCS website at [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and)[ and](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ and) type FOTG in the search field. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. NRCS, CO October 2015 642-CPS-2 uncertain, use additional expertise to conduct on-site evaluation and to provide professional recommendations regarding the suitability of the site. Do not locate the well near overhead and underground utility lines and other safety hazards. If site conditions allow, locate the well up-gradient from potential sources of surface contamination and away from areas subject to flooding. In determining gradient, consider both pumped and static conditions. Clear the site of all trees, brush, and obstructions and provide a relatively flat, reasonably dry, working surface for the drill rig and related equipment to ensure a safe and effective working environment. Refer to WWCR Rules 10.1 and 10.2 for additional siting criteria. Wells shall not be located closer than one hundred (100) feet horizontally to the nearest source of contaminants or fifty (50) feet from a septic tank, sewer line or other vessel containing contaminants. A variance is required if the above requirements cannot be met from the Board of Examiners of Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Contractors. In no case shall the horizontal distance be less than twenty-five (25) fee

FAQs

What does the standard define as a “water well” under Code 642?

A hole drilled, dug, driven, bored, jetted, or otherwise constructed into an aquifer for water supply.

What is the purpose of this practice standard for water wells?

To provide access to groundwater suitable for livestock watering, fire control, wildlife, and other agricultural uses.

What key siting restrictions apply when locating the well?

Do not locate the well near overhead and underground utility lines and other safety hazards, and locate it up-gradient from surface contamination sources, away from flood-prone areas. Maintain required horizontal distances from contaminants and from septic tanks, sewer lines, or vessels containing contaminants.

Sep 29, 2026

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