In the private water and closed loop systems program, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers the licensing of water well and pump installation contractors and regulates the construction, modification and sealing of all water wells, with the exception of community water wells. In addition, the program administers the registration of closed loop well contractors and regulates the construction, modification, and sealing of all closed loop wells. This program is conducted through agreements with 90 local health departments.
A major consideration in constructing these wells is to prevent contamination from the ground surface or shallow ground water, sewage disposal systems and other hazardous sources, from entering the well. To ensure the safety of these water supplies, the IDPH and local health departments review water well installation plans, issue permits for new well construction, and inspect wells. The IDPH licenses approximately 730 people who construct wells and/or install water well pumps. Staff consult with the public and local governments about private water supply issues and prepares publications concerning the use of surface water and groundwater supplies.
Environmental Health Factsheets
- PFAS in Drinking Water
- A Safe Water Supply Depends on Location and Construction - Bored Wells
- A Safe Water Supply Depends on Location and Construction - Drilled Wells
- A Safe Water Supply Depends on Location and Construction - Driven Wells
- Abandoned Wells - Hazards to Health and Safety
- Alachlor and Atrazine in Groundwater
- Arsenic in Groundwater
- Commonly Found Substances in Drinking Water and Available Treatment (PDF)
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Emergency Hauling Storing and Disinfecting of Water Supplies
- Giardiasis
- Methane in Drinking Water
- Iron in Drinking Water
- Nitrates in Drinking Water
- Radium in Drinking Water
- Vinyl Chloride in Groundwater
- Well Sampling for Coliform and Nitrate