Safeguard the area around the well. Do not have wells near dog or animal pens. Do not pour used oil from engines on the ground near the well site. Do not store paints, chemicals, or fertilizers in or around the well site. Be sure your well casing is at least 6 inches above ground level, cutting the casing off below ground level is illegal. Buried wells tend to develop leaks and allow contamination to enter your water supply. Wells which extend above ground make pump maintenance and repair easier and cheaper. Also you cannot disinfect the well regularly without digging up the well.