Practical, economical and ecological: the well could well make a comeback in the gardens of the French. Individuals are allowed to dig such equipment for domestic use, i.e. from which the withdrawal will be less than or equal to 1,000 m3 of water per year. Provided that several steps are taken beforehand, warns the government's website.
According to Article L2224-9 of the General Code of Local Authorities, "any withdrawal, well or borehole carried out for domestic water use is subject to a declaration of work to the mayor of the municipality concerned", at least one month before the start of the work. The town hall must receive, by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, a completed declaration of work form (Cerfa n°13837*02) as well as an extract from the cadastre (or a site plan of the work on a scale of 1:25000). The declaration, which is completely free of charge, will not be followed by a response.
A specific declaration for a well more than 10 metres deep
After sending your file to your town hall, a second declaration must be sent to the National Institute for the Industrial Environment of Risks (Ineris), a French public expert under the supervision of the Ministry of the Environment. Since 1 July 2012, it has been necessary to inform the operators of underground networks of the planned outdoor works, via a "networks and pipelines" teleservice, so that the work can be carried out in complete safety.
Finally, if you plan to dig a well deeper than ten metres, you will also need to notify your Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL) at least one month before the start of the work. They will provide you with information on the form to fill out.
Mandatory water testing
No later than one month after completing the work on your well, you will also have to have the water intended for human consumption analysed by an approved laboratory, and then update the initial declaration of work with your town hall. In order to prevent the risk of water pollution, a drinking water service agent will then be able to access your property and carry out an inspection of your well, based on the information contained in the declaration of work.