Anybody regulate number of wells?

[DJ in WA]

Each year I see 3 or 4 wells added within a half mile of me. Just wondering how it all works with the supply of water. Is there unlimited drilling until everyone starts running out of water, then rationing or water rights?

Original well was 180 feet deep, now the good water is over 300 feet deep, don't know if there's more lower or not.

[DaleK]

Most places that I'm aware of, there's no regulation on the number of wells. You just keep drilling. Some places you need permits to take more than a certain amount, say for irrigation etc.

[ChoochCharlie]

In our area, Southeastern PA, there are regulations. Tests to be done and permits to pull. My brother in law is a geologist and has worked many jobs for developers. Check with your county department of health.

[DJ in WA]

Originally Posted by ChoochCharlie

In our area, Southeastern PA, there are regulations. Tests to be done and permits to pull. My brother in law is a geologist and has worked many jobs for developers. Check with your county department of health.

Dept of health? Doesn't sound like a place that would control the water supply - more the health of water. As for permits - are those ever denied?

I suppose the answer is we keep the population growing and keep drilling and at some point we just fight over water. And I cut back on what I'm growing. Maybe I'll just deal with it when I have to.

[js2743]

it dont seem like you have much of and argument, you have your well why cant the neighbors have theirs i wouldnt think you would ever win that one. but i agree the more that are drilled the more water thatis taken out. we had one that had 17 gallon a minute when drilled and held that for 3 or 4 years till a neighbor drilled and now its less than 2 gallons.so they took our water supply away we talked to the guy that drilled both and he said he had never had that to happen.

[Shirley]

I've never heard of a limit on wells. Now for the size of pump you use, where we come from, a commercial pump used for irrigation will be regulated and priced higher than a domestic pump usage.
As for your drop of water level, yep, some day it will run out as more and more people tap into it.

[Windy in Kansas]

Water well permits ARE required where I live. I don't know what the fine or punishment is if one fails to get such.

Here is the web page for the district where we get our permits. The well driller usually completes the process. http://www.gmd2.org/

The district was easy to work with and the purchase of my property was conditional that water was available. The district informed me that plenty of water would be available under my land, even enough for an irrigation well if I could get the approval from surrounding land owners. Otherwise I could irrigate two acres of crops for my own use.

[Scrounger]

It depends - most places that do a lot of irigating will require you to get a permit and CAN deny it. Check with your county Clerk - they will know where to send you.

[Cornhusker]

In our area, they put a stop to irrigation wells a couple of years ago.
Of course they gave everybody notice so everybody go their wells put in anyway.
You can still do domestic wells, but I'm not sure what the gpm limit is now.

[Wolf mom]

Can't drill/own a well in parts of Arizona. In some counties, they are metering wells & you have to pay for usage. In some areas, like around Phoenix, Developers have to prove a 100 year water source before they can build.

Wave of the future for all???

[Selena]

Health dept is the regulatory body for wells in IL and in WI I believe. Contaminated and/or non-potable water is a public health concern. It is a mixed bag, that I will say. It is not good to have your well 10 feet from your septic tank. BUT in too many areas, the lots are small and there is no public water or sewer. If no new well or septic allowed, what is a homeowner to do (composting toilet is the route I'd take, the well would be a harder problem to solve).

[wy_white_wolf]

Water rights for Washington State:

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/wac173152.html

Protection Of Upper Aquifer Zones

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/wac173154.html

Minimum Standards For Construction And Maintenance Of Wells

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/wac173160.html

Regulation And Licensing Of Well Contractors And Operators

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/wac173162.html


All found Here

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/laws-rules/ecywac.html