2007 California Water Code Article 2. Definitions

CA Codes (wat:13710-13713)

13710.  "Well" or "water well" as used in this chapter, means any
artificial excavation constructed by any method for the purpose of
extracting water from, or injecting water into, the underground.
This definition shall not include:  (a) oil and gas wells, or
geothermal wells constructed under the jurisdiction of the Department
of Conservation, except those wells converted to use as water wells;
or (b) wells used for the purpose of (1)  dewatering excavation
during construction, or (2) stabilizing hillsides or earth
embankments.


13711.  "Cathodic protection well," as used in this chapter, means
any artificial excavation in excess of 50 feet constructed by any
method for the purpose of installing equipment or facilities for the
protection electrically of metallic equipment in contact with the
ground, commonly referred to as cathodic protection.




13712.  "Monitoring well" as used in this chapter, means any
artificial excavation by any method for the purpose of monitoring
fluctuations in groundwater levels, quality of underground waters, or
the concentration of contaminants in underground waters.




13712.5.  Notwithstanding Section 13712, all wells constructed for
the purpose of monitoring the presence of groundwater which has
adversely affected, or threatens to adversely affect, crop root zones
are exempt from the reporting requirements of this chapter.




13713.  "Geothermal heat exchange well," as used in this chapter,
means any uncased artificial excavation, by any method, that uses the
heat exchange capacity of the earth for heating and cooling, in
which excavation the ambient ground temperature is 30 degrees Celsius
(86 degrees Fahrenheit) or less, and which excavation uses a closed
loop fluid system to prevent the discharge or escape of its fluid
into surrounding aquifers or other geologic formations.  Geothermal
heat exchange wells include ground source heat pump wells.