Casey Council Bans New Private Water Wells City-Wide

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026

Article Summary: The Casey City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the installation or use of private groundwater wells for potable water within city limits to protect the public water supply.

Ordinance #602 Key Points:

• Prohibition: The drilling or installation of wells for potable water (drinking, bathing, cooking) is now strictly prohibited within corporate city limits.

• Mandatory Connection: Property owners with principal structures for human occupancy must connect to the City Waterworks System.

• Penalties: Violations can result in fines of up to $750 per day.

• Origin: The ordinance was drafted after a constituent inquired about digging a private well on their property.

The Casey City Council on Monday, January 5, 2026, voted unanimously to approve Ordinance #602, which bans the creation and use of private groundwater wells for potable water supply within the city.

The legislation amends Chapter 13.64 of the city code. Under the new rules, digging or installing a well for domestic consumption—defined as water used for drinking, bathing, washing dishes, or preparing food—is prohibited. Existing and future structures meant for human occupancy are required to connect to the City of Casey’s public water system.

Director of Public Works Ryan Staley explained that the ordinance was drafted in response to an inquiry from Alderman Tanner Brown regarding a constituent who wished to dig a well.

“We looked into the ordinances… and we found that it was not permitted in certain parts of the city,” Staley told the council. “We weren’t entirely sure if his was permitted or not, but we wanted to make it clear that we’re not interested in allowing people within city limits to dig their own wells for potable water consumption.”

Staley noted that most communities with a municipal water system do not allow private wells, suggesting the lack of a total ban in Casey’s prior code was likely an oversight.

The ordinance includes an enforcement mechanism, stating that any person violating the chapter could face a fine of up to $750 for each violation, with every day the violation continues constituting a separate offense.

The measure passed with a 5-0 vote, with Aldermen Tanner Brown, Jeremiah Hanley, Steve Jenkins, Marcy Mumford, and Lori Wilson voting in favor.