Wells around New Glarus typically run 220 to 230 feet deep, with water about 125 to 130 feet down. Few pass 300 feet. Green County Public Health in Monroe tests private wells. Test for bacteria and nitrate every year, and use a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump work.
Updated October 2026
Typical wells here
- Town of New Glarus: 433 wells, median 220 ft (159–252), casing 67 ft, water level about 125 ft down.
- York: 332 wells, median 228 ft (200–254), casing 84 ft, water level about 130 ft down.
- Washington has no town figure in the depth table yet. The Green County median is 176 ft.
- Only 2 to 3% of wells in these towns go deeper than 300 ft.
Water quality notes
- UW-Extension monitoring in Green County treats about 2 mg/L as natural nitrate background. Higher levels point to land-use impact.
- The drinking water standard is 10 mg/L. Above that, infants and pregnant people should switch water sources.
- Test again if your water changes after heavy rain.
Testing near New Glarus
- Green County Public Health, N3152 Hwy 81, Monroe: bacteria $30, nitrate $35. Drop-off Monday to Wednesday only. 608-328-9390.
- UW-Stevens Point kits are also available there. The UWSP homeowner package is $78.
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH), Madison: bacteria $35, nitrate $35, arsenic $38. Kits ship free; you pay return shipping. 608-224-6202.
Permits and rules
- New well: Green County is not a DNR-delegated county, so the DNR well construction notification ($50.50) applies. Confirm any local rules with Green County zoning.
- Setbacks: 25 ft from a septic tank and 50 ft from a drainfield. Casing must end at least 12 inches above grade.
- A well unused for more than 90 days must be filled and sealed by a licensed driller or pump installer. The DNR Well Abandonment Grant can pay 75% for eligible households, with approval before work starts.
When you need a licensed professional
Wisconsin rules require a DNR-licensed pump installer for pump and pressure-tank work on a drinking-water well; check with DNR if you’re unsure. You can check a contractor’s license in the DNR directories.
- No water or a pump that runs without stopping
- Coliform or E. coli in a test
- Replacing a pump or pressure tank
- Sealing an old farm well
Related
- Wells around Belleville and Exeter
- Wells around Mount Horeb
- Typical well depths by town
- Common well problems
- Where to test your well water
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