Idaho Well Driller Compliance Guide

Forms & Resources

All IDWR Forms

• Well Driller's Report: Daily log documenting location, depths, formations, casing, water level, yield (becomes public record)
• Drilling Permit Application: Required before drilling ($75 domestic, $200 other uses)
• Notification of Seal: Filed after completion with IDWR
• Form 4003-7: Notice of Intent to Abandon a Well
• Form 4003-9: Report of Abandonment of a Well

Licensing Requirements

Idaho requires licensed drillers and operators per Idaho Code §42-238 and IDAPA 37.03.10.

License Types

Experience Requirements

Continuing Education

Renewal Cycle

Licenses expire March 31 every 2 years. Renewal fees: $100 plus $15 for each operator employed. Submit renewal before expiration with CE documentation and current surety bond.

Reporting & Documentation

Well Log Requirements

The Well Driller's Report must include:

• Well location (coordinates)
• Depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
• Water-bearing zones encountered
• Casing sizes, materials, and depths
• Grouting/sealing information (annular seal)
• Static water level
• Yield (if pump test conducted)

The report becomes a public record in IDWR archives. A copy must also be given to the well owner.

Construction Standards (IDAPA 37.03.09)

Casing Requirements

• Height: Casing must extend at least 12 inches above finished grade
• Steel: Must meet ASTM A53/API 5L standards, minimum 0.250" thickness by depth
• Thermoplastic (PVC/PE): ASTM-F480/NSF-WC rated (SDR-21, Schedule 40 for ≤4"), limited to ≤85°F zones
• Condition: All casing must be new or like-new, plumb and sealed

Annular Seal (Grouting)

• Annular space must be sealed with cement/bentonite mix or bentonite chips
• Mixed grout seals must leave at least 1 inch thickness around casing(borehole ≥2" larger than casing OD)
• Grout placed bottom-up (tremie pipe typically used)
• Bentonite alone cannot be used above water table unless specifically approved
• Casing must be held stationary until grout sets (no driving after grouting)

Setback Requirements (IDAPA 37.03.09.025)

Mandatory minimum setbacks from contamination sources:

Disinfection

Every well must be chlorine-disinfected after drilling per IDAPA 37.03.09.025(23). Introduce chlorine solution to achieve uniform concentration. Dosage table provided: e.g., 4 cups household bleach per 100 ft of 8" water column. Other methods (UV, ozone) require prior Director approval.

Permits

Drilling Permits (Idaho Code §42-235)

Before drilling begins, obtain a drilling permit from IDWR:

• Domestic/monitoring wells: $75 fee
• Irrigation/commercial/other wells: $200 fee
• Processing time: Often 1-3 weeks once application submitted
• Required for: All well construction, including new wells, re-drills, major alterations

Water Rights

Strictly domestic and monitoring wells are exempt from groundwater appropriation permits. Any non-domestic use (irrigation, industrial, municipal) requires a water right. Single-family household/stock watering is "domestic" (no water right needed); larger uses must secure water right.

Special Well Permits

• Geothermal wells:Wells tapping ≥212°F fluids require special IDWR permitting (IDAPA 37.03.04). Low-temp (<212°F) also has permit/bond program.
• Injection wells (>18 ft): UIC permit required for aquifer recharge, stormwater disposal, heat pump loops (IDAPA 37.03.03)
• Monitoring/observation wells:IDWR issues drilling permits (treating as "domestic" for fee) but no water right needed
• Cathodic-protection wells: Need well permits but exempt from water-right review (treated like domestic)
• Areas of Drilling Concern: Special zones require $10,000 bond and demonstrated expertise

Drilling Conditions by Region

Seasonal Effects

• Winter (Oct-Apr in north): Ground freezes 3-7 ft deep in mountain valleys; frost line must be penetrated; temporary insulative casing or drilling fluid use may be needed
• Spring (snowmelt): Floods lowland wells, raises water tables; soft ground conditions; mud pumps can oversaturate hole
• Late summer-early fall: Lowest groundwater levels (dry season drawdown); best for well testing

Common Drilling Challenges

• Hard rock (northern/mountains): Heavy rotary or DTH rigs; small fractured water inflows
• Basalt (Snake Plain): Caving and lost circulation between flows; polymer/bentonite mud controls needed
• Artesian zones (deep confined): High pressure; pressure-control equipment required
• Unconsolidated alluvium (valleys): Collapse risk; large casing and gravel pack needed
• Unstable glacial sediments (north): Can slide; careful method selection required

Typical Well Depths by Region

• Small domestic wells in valleys: 50-200 ft
• Boise-Treasure Valley: 150-300 ft common
• Eastern Snake Plain irrigation: 300-500 ft average
• Fractured granite/deep basalt: Can exceed 1,000 ft
• Central/eastern mountains: Often 500-1,500 ft to reach water

Special Requirements

Arsenic Advisory Areas

Naturally-occurring arsenic affects groundwater in parts of Idaho:

• Southwestern Idaho: Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Washington counties
• Northern Idaho: Kootenai County
• Eastern Idaho: Jefferson County

In these areas, consider corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel casing/screen) and recommend arsenic testing to owners. DEQ strongly recommends testing private wells in these regions.

Resources & Contacts

Additional Resources

• Idaho Rural Water Association (IDRWA): Training and technical assistance (idrwa.org)
• Div. of Occupational & Professional Licenses (DOPL): (208) 334-3233, dopl.idaho.gov (public water operator licensing)
• Idaho DEQ - Drinking Water Program: Water quality advisories (arsenic guidance)

Regulatory References

• Idaho Code §42-235 – Drilling permits ($75 domestic, $200 other)
• Idaho Code §42-238– Well drillers' licenses and operator permits
• IDAPA 37.03.09 – Well Construction Standards Rules
• IDAPA 37.03.10 – Well Driller Licensing Rules
• IDAPA 37.03.09.025 – Construction of Cold Water Wells (setbacks, casing, seals, disinfection)
• IDAPA 58.01.08.510 – Siting/construction of public water wells

Online Tools

• IDWR Well Construction Forms – All drilling forms and permits
• Licensed Well Drillers Search – Verify driller licenses by county
• Well Construction Search – Database of well logs
• IGWA Education – CE courses and industry training

Frequently Asked Questions