6/3/2019 Class V Wells for Injection of Non-Hazardous Fluids into or Above Underground Sources of Drinking Water | Protecting Underground

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Class V Wells for Injection of Non-Hazardous

Fluids into or Above Underground Sources of
Drinking Water
On this page:

Use of Class V wells

Complex Class V wells

Use of Class V wells

Class V wells are used to inject non-hazardous fluids underground. Most Class V
wells are used to dispose of wastes into or above underground sources of drinking
water. This disposal can pose a threat to ground water quality if not managed
properly.

The different types of Class V wells pose various threats. Most Class V wells are
shallow disposal systems that depend on gravity to drain fluids directly in the
ground. Over 20 well subtypes fall into the Class V category.

EPA estimates that there are more than 650,000 Class V wells in operation
nationwide. Most of these Class V wells are unsophisticated shallow disposal
systems. Examples include:

Stormwater drainage wells

Septic system leach fields
Agricultural drainage wells

Complex Class V wells

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6/3/2019 Class V Wells for Injection of Non-Hazardous Fluids into or Above Underground Sources of Drinking Water | Protecting Underground Sour…

Your community may have industrial waste disposal wells, stormwater drainage
wells, large-capacity septic systems, and other Class V wells. They are regulated
and are not allowed to endanger underground sources of drinking water.

EPA's regulations define Class V wells as injection wells not included in other
well classes. As a result, in addition to shallow wells, the Class V well category
includes deep complex wells used at commercial and industrial facilities.
Complex Class V well types may include:

Aquifer storage and recovery wells

Geothermal electric power wells
Experimental wells used for pilot geologic sequestration

Regardless of the use of Class V wells, owners and operators are responsible for
protecting underlying ground water from contamination.

Read basic information about Class V wells

Learn more about the different types of Class V Wells
Learn more about the federal requirements for Class V wells
Read EPA's guidances for Class V well owners, operators, and regulatory
agencies

LAST UPDATED ON OCTOBER 31, 2016

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