Your Well Driller and Contractor: The driller you use either to install your well or to perform maintenance/repairs is probably the most important asset you have. Proper care of your well means you will likely need your driller sometime in the future, so pick carefully, as you will probably have a long-term relationship. A good driller/contractor will stand out. They should be licensed for your jurisdiction. The agency that regulates drillers and well construction standards for your state or territory is a good place to start to find someone new to work with.

Help In Your State/Territory: Every state is governed just a little bit differently. Because state laws were developed to meet the needs of each jurisdiction, different state agencies have different authorities and manage different programs. For example, in Washington State licensing of drillers is governed by the Department of Ecology. In Missouri, licensing is handled by the Department of Natural Resources. In New York, it’s the Department of Conservation. In Pennsylvania, they don’t license drillers at the state level. The point is you need to learn who has jurisdiction for what, and where you can go for specific information on different topics.

Well Logs: Well logs are different in each state and a simple phone call to the organization that maintains your well logs, like a DNR, DEC, or Scientific Survey, will help you get in touch with someone who can explain how the process works for your area. Google can help you track down the correct organization for your state, which should help you find a phone number or contact who can tell you more about the process and where to get information. Try “Your State water well logs” in a search engine to start.

Geology and Aquifer Information: The same organizations mentioned above may be able to provide you with geology and aquifer information for your property. However, the organizations that map geology and aquifers are most likely to have staff that can explain the water availability and the groundwater quality of the area.

Cooperative Extension Service: The Cooperative Extension Service plays a very large role in private water well issues in many states and deserves special recognition. They also have the advantage of being a network from the county to national level, meaning if your local co-op extension office doesn’t have a resource or answer, they have a network that can find answers for you.

Further Online Resources and Support: There are a number of sources of information and support for well owners in addition to state agencies and local contractors. One is the National Ground Water Association. They have a page for looking up contractors here, and a page that provides links for state agencies related to contractors and well drillers here.