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Laws and Rules specific to Well Construction - links to the Wells - Licensing, Construction and Reporting homepage.
Well Report Search and Retrieve application - Using the tools in this application you can search for your well or wells in the area using text or map search features.
Ecology Contacts links to the Wells - Licensing, Construction and Reporting homepage.
County Delegated Contacts - includes link to the report for the last calendar year
Abandoned Wells - Problems and Solutions - It is not uncommon in Washington sState to find old wells which are no longer usable. These are called abandoned wells. The most common type of abandoned well is the shallow dug type. Abandoned wells can pose safety and environmental problems, and are required to be properly decommissioned as soon as possible after use stops. Closing down an old well is called decommissioning. This brochure discusses how to locate abandoned wells, what dangers they pose, and the process used in decommissioning one.
Ecology News Release
- Ecology publication provides guidance on capping abandoned wells that pose
a hazard to children, pets - July 28, 2011
County Delegated Contacts - includes link to the report for the last calendar year
Dewatering Wells: Frequently Asked Questions
Drilling Fees - Questions and Answers - A fee is required by the State of Washington to construct or reconstruct water and resource protection wells.
Ground source heat pump boring: Frequently Asked Questions
Notice of Intent for Well Construction and Decommissioning - Link to the Forms page
Request For Variance - Problems and Solutions - A variance is written permission to use a pre-approved alternative method of well construction. The most common types of variances requested are for locating an individual domestic well closer than 100 feet from a septic system, drainfield, or any potential source of contamination.
Resource Protection Wells: Frequently Asked Questions
Surface Seals - Problems and Solutions - This pamphlet educates the public about the importance of proper surface seals on wells. Well drillers use casing, typically steel, to keep drilled holes from collapsing. If just the native materials are allowed to fill in around the casing, a conduit for water can form on the outside of the casing, so that dirty water can travel down the casing and into your well. To prevent this, a surface seal is used.
Well Construction and Licensing System - Link to the WCLS database
Well Tagging Requirements - Licensed drillers in the State of Washington are required to tag all new or reconstructed wells.
Wells Caps - Problems and Solutions - The purpose of this pamphlet is to educate the public about proper installation of well caps. Wells that are not in use, or will be temporarily out of service, are required to be securely capped so that contamination can not enter the well (WAC 173-160-085). Well capping is one aspect of this state's well construction standards that Ecology's inspectors look for, and something that homeowners and drillers alike should take seriously. A proper well cap will help ensure the users are safe and is instrumental in making sure that contamination doesn't enter a well from the top.
Guide to Water Operator License Program - There are several types of drilling licenses available under Washington's new well construction regulations.
On-site Testing for Licensed Well Operators - This publication provides questions and answers related to the new requirements for drillers to be tested on a drill rig (on-site) before obtaining a license.
Working with Ecology - Staying in Compliance - Ecology's goal is to serve the people of Washington State and to protect the environment. Sometimes, this places us in the role of enforcer of laws and regulations. The goal of enforcement is to help achieve compliance, not punish violators. This focus sheet describes enforcement tools Ecology uses and how to respond.
Well operators have been required to obtain continuing education since 1998. Mandatory continuing education allows drillers to stay informed of industry changes and technological advances. It also allows for networking among the drilling industry professionals where ideas, concerns and issues are raised and resolved.
Drillers must send proof of continuing education at the time of application for a new license or renewal of an existing license to Ecology. For a new license, please read the Guide to Water Operator License Program for specific dates to send proof of continuing education. If you are currently licensed, check your drilling license for the date of expiration. You must send proof of continuing education prior to this date.
For more specific details on continuing education please read Continuing Education of Licensed Well Operators.
Mail your proof of continuing education to:
Water Resources Program, Well Construction
Department of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Continuing Education Preferred Providers - Ecology has revised WAC 173-160 and WAC 173-162 (the construction and licensing rules). As part of the changes to the licensing rule, all Continuing Education classes must be given by a Preferred Provider.
Listings of approved continuing education courses (updated as new courses are approved) are included in the following links:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises drilling contractors in the Tacoma area that suspension of drilling should continue in areas affected by contamination from the Lakewood/Ponders Corner Superfund Site. The affected aquifer is located south of Tacoma in Pierce County.
If you are looking for continuing education opportunities or need to find out if a drilling company is licensed and bonded, use these links to the Washington State Labor and Industries Web site.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
