Who regulates private wells?
Federal drinking water rules generally cover public systems, not household wells. Private wells are usually left to states, counties or local health departments, and the level of oversight varies a lot. Some require permits, licensed drillers and records, and others do little.
Ask your county health department and state water agency what applies to drilling, construction, location and abandonment of wells where you live.
Ask the health office whether new wells must be located a set distance from septic fields, barns, manure storage and fuel tanks, and write the answer on your site plan before you hire a driller. Look for the state or county well construction standards and ask for a plain summary of what they require.
- Federal rules mostly target public systems
- State and county rules vary
- Ask about construction and abandonment
What rules affect drilling a new well?
Possible steps include a permit, a licensed driller, a minimum distance from septic systems and other sources and a report filed with the state. Some places also limit water withdrawals or require registration of livestock wells.
Ask for the list of required steps and hire a driller licensed locally. Request a copy of the well log and construction record when the work is done.
When you hire a driller, ask for references, proof of license where required and a written agreement that covers what happens if the hole comes up dry or the water quality is poor. Cost categories include drilling, casing, pump, pressure tank, wiring and testing. Ask the driller what happens if water quality is poor and which agency to call.
- Permit and licensed driller
- Distances from septic and livestock areas
- Keep the well log
What am I responsible for as an owner?
In many places the owner is responsible for testing, maintenance and fixing problems. Keep the wellhead sealed and in good repair, and keep chemicals, fuel and animal waste away from it. Ask a well professional how often to inspect equipment.
Keep records of tests and service. A buyer or lender may ask for them later.
If you buy a property with an old or hand-dug well, ask a licensed professional to inspect it. Older wells may not meet current construction standards and can be more exposed to surface contamination.
- Protect the wellhead
- Keep contaminants away
- Save test and service records
What should I test for, and how often?
Local health departments and extension offices can tell you what contaminants are common in your area, and which tests are recommended at purchase and on a schedule afterward. Use a certified lab and follow its sampling directions.
Test again after flooding, nearby construction, a change in taste or smell or any repair to the well. Results you do not understand are a reason to ask the lab or health department for guidance.
Know where the wellhead is, keep the area around it clear and make sure the cap is intact. A damaged cap or casing is a direct path for contamination.
- Use a certified lab
- Retest after floods or repairs
- Ask what is common locally
Do livestock change anything?
Animals near a well raise contamination risks, and some places have rules on setbacks for barns, manure storage and pastures. Ask the zoning and health offices what distances apply.
If you plan irrigation or large water use, ask the state water agency whether a permit or right is needed. Our guide on water rights covers why this varies.
If a well is no longer used, ask the state or county how it must be closed. Abandoned wells are a hazard to people and animals and to the water supply, and many places have rules for closing them properly.
- Ask about setbacks for barns and manure
- Ask about irrigation limits
- Plan fencing around the wellhead
What if the water tests badly?
Do not drink water you have reason to doubt until a professional or the health department advises you. Ask them about next steps, which may include a different water source, treatment or repair. Do not rely on a quick online fix.
Water treatment systems vary, so get advice before spending money. If the pump runs constantly or pressure drops, call a licensed professional instead of working on it yourself, since electricity and water together are dangerous.
- Call the health department
- Use another source meanwhile
- Get advice before buying treatment
What mistakes do well owners make?
Common mistakes are never testing, storing chemicals near the wellhead, assuming clear water is safe water and skipping the pump check until it fails. Another is hiring an unlicensed driller where a license is required.
Put testing, inspection and wellhead checks on a yearly calendar so they do not depend on memory.
Key takeaways
- Private wells are regulated locally and often lightly.
- Owners usually carry testing and maintenance duties.
- Use a certified lab and retest after floods or repairs.
- Ask the health department when results are unclear.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.