A dry well is an underground structure that disposes of unwanted water, most commonly surface runoff and storm water.  It is usually a covered, porous-walled chamber that allows water to slowly soak into the ground dissipating into the groundwater.  Dry wells will not introduce new waters to the underground but rather facilitate the transportation of water that would eventually percolate anyway. The drywells aid water recharge, which is an important process for sustainable groundwater management, 

 

Best installed in locations of drainage swales or in localized low spots, as an aid to draining storm water that naturally collects in these areas. For use in areas with at least 20 feet of non-clay soils, as measured down from the surface. Very shallow clay lenses of significant thickness will limit the effectiveness of any dry well.  

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Location should not be at a point where runoff will contain significant concentrations of agricultural chemical residue, whether herbicide, or pesticide, and/or animal confinement areas

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Do not install in areas where there may be more than incidental vehicular traffic. The upper portion of the dry well is not designed to resist heavy truck traffic.

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Dry wells should be located with respect to buildings, zoning, and county setbacks and all other locational considerations that would apply to any other permanent construction.

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At this time, there is new grant available for additional wells.  All previous funds have been dispensed (to 147 wells in the area).  You can still email to info@semcu.org and submit your information should SEMCU obtain new funding.  Thank you for your interest in this program.  

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