A well is a hole in the earth from which fluid is extracted. The most common type of well is the water well. The water well draws water from below the earth’s surface, called groundwater.
Construction:
You may construct a well without a license if you own or lease the property where it will be constructed and the well will be used
1.) for farming or agricultural purposes, or
2.) to supply water for your personal residence.
The Minnesota Department of Health also licenses full-service contractors who construct, repair, or permanently seal water wells. All wells must adhere to the requirements of the Minnesota Well Code Chapter 4725.
Maintenance and Testing:
Generally, from a health standpoint, the quality of Minnesota groundwater is excellent. However, as time passes, wells deteriorate or become damaged and allow contaminants to enter the water, which can negatively affect water quality. If you have a private well, maintenance and testing is your responsibility. It is important to test your well for bacteria, nitrates and other items.
Certain city codes address abandoned wells and contamination of wells. Where private wells cannot be repaired to meet current regulations, to ensure proper protection of the groundwater, they must be connected to the city water system if available. (City Code 100.15) Properly built and operated wells may be kept for use as outside irrigation systems if they meet certain requirements.
Abandoned wells pose a threat to the water systems. In addition, in certain cases children and small animals have fallen into abandoned or improperly maintained wells. Please contact the Code Enforcement & Public Health Division regarding questions about specific concerns regarding abandoned wells and health and safety issues.
Contacts:
For more information on wells, contaminants, testing, testing fees, and other well related topics, please contact the Code Enforcement & Public Health Division at (763) 493-8070 or the state health agency.
MS 103I.111 & 145A.07
Regulations
Minnesota Department of Health
Other well information:
Environmental Protection Agency
www.amlegal.com/brooklyn_park_mn/ 
