High capacity wells

A high capacity well is a well that has the capacity to withdraw more than 100,000 gallons per day, or a well that, together with all other wells on the same property, has a capacity of more than 100,000 gallons per day. Residential wells and fire protection wells are excluded from the definition of a high capacity well, and their pumping capacities are not included in the calculation of a property's well capacity.

In accordance with Sections NR 812.09(4)(a) & (b), Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], prior department approval is necessary for the construction or operation of a high capacity well system, school well or wastewater treatment plant well.

Apply for a new well

• Application and instructions
• Tips for accurately locating a well
• Well application review process

Water use

• Report your water use
• Register your withdrawal
• Pay water use fee
• Water use permits

Changes to approved wells

• Replacements
• Reconstructions
• Property transfers
• Filling and sealing

Maps and well data

• Well application search
• High cap well search
• Interactive map (Water use viewer)
• Wisconsin water use report

Central Sands Lakes Study

In June 2017 2017 Wisconsin Act 10 [exit DNR] (Act 10) was signed into law. Under Act 10, the DNR has the authority to evaluate and model the impacts of groundwater withdrawals on three specific lakes in the Central Sands region.

• Central Sands Lakes Study
• Subscribe to updates on the Central Sands Lakes Study