Well Permits
Harvey County requires well permits for any domestic, lawn/garden, or livestock well located within the unincorporated county boundaries.
Well permit applications are available to print below or at the Harvey County Courthouse in the Planning and Zoning Department (located on the first floor across from the Treasurer's Office). The cost is $100. Fee for permit may be paid in cash, check or credit card. A 2.5% processing fee or $2.50 will be assessed for using credit card. Please return the application form to the department listed above. Water should be tested to make sure it is safe for human consumption.
A site evaluation may be necessary if there is a question about separation distances from the well to any surrounding source of pollution. Separation requirements in Harvey County are listed below. The driller must be a state-certified well driller unless the property owner him/her self digs the well. Each well must be constructed according to state guidelines detailed in Article 30 of the Kansas Administrative Regulations (link is available below.)
New Construction
The following documents are K-State Research & Extension brochures that are both informational and help to outline state requirements for well construction and maintenance. Many requirements are similar to Harvey County Codes; however, there may be some requirements that are more stringent in the County Code. Please check with the Environmental Officer if you have any questions.
WATER TEST INFORMATION
Well Maintenance
- Recommended Water Tests for Private Water Systems
- Shock Chlorination For Private Water Systems
- Private Well Maintenance & Protection
- Private Well Owner/Operator ManualManaging the Farm to Minimize Groundwater and Well Contamination
FLOODING AFTERMATH: Is My Water Safe
Floodwaters can cause issues with one of life's biggest needs, our water. If you live in an area that has recently flooded your well maybe contaminated with bacteria. How do you know if your well is contaminated? Sometimes it is easy to know and other times it is not so obvious. Flood waters are full of bacteria including eColi and coliform. They also could have nitrates from washing over fields and livestock areas. The only way to know for sure that your water is safe is to test it. Well housings that were submerged with floodwaters are especially at risk.Our office has had calls from county residents saying their water turned colors during the floods. The water needs to be tested. We would suggest shock chlorination before testing to kill any bacteria. (SEE BELOW) One week to 10 days after the shock chlorination you should test the well to make sure the water is bacteria free. If you had flood waters on your property and your water is still clear, it may still be contaminated. For the safety of your family you should test the water. Please note that you will not always know if your water is unsafe to drink. It is suggested you test water at least once per year for bacteria and nitrates. Nitrates are especially dangerous to infants. Nitrate levels can change without any indications.
Plugging Abandoned Wells