Water Supply Safety & Inspection

Private Well Program

In Illinois, private water wells and closed loop geothermal wells must be constructed or renovated by an Illinois Department of Public Health-licensed well contractor. Before work can begin on wells in Cumberland County, a construction permit must be obtained from our office. Contractors must complete an application and submit it for approval along with the appropriate permit fee. After application approval, contractors must provide our office with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before starting work on a well. Our staff will conduct inspections to determine that wells have been installed according to code.

Water Testing

The Cumberland County Health Department can test your well for Coliform and E. Coli bacteria for a fee. Please contact us for information.

Abandoned Well Sealing

A licensed water well driller must seal an abandoned well. A homeowner in Cumberland County may seal his or her own well after an application is made to the Cumberland County Health Department.

Please visit the Abandoned Well Fact Sheet from IDPH: http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/abndwlsFS.htm

Forms & Fees

Water Well and Closed loop well application fees are currently $150. There is no fee to seal an abandoned well, but a permit application must still be submitted.

Water well construction or sealing permit application
Closed loop geothermal well system permit application

For more information and guidance, visit: http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/waterwells.htm