Forms & Resources
Well Driller's Report
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days.
Download Form ↗Authorization to Decommission a Well (Form 238(4)-2)
Authorization to Decommission a Well: submit to the IDWR region at least 72 hours before decommissioning (no fee); page 2 completion report within 30 days after the work.
Download Forms ↗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: Given at least 4 hours before placing any annular seal (toll-free 877-287-6702 + region extension)
- Authorization to Decommission a Well (Form 238(4)-2): Required before plugging an Idaho water well; 72 hours advance, no fee
- Forms 4003-7 and 4003-9: Notice of Intent and Report of Abandonment for geothermal wells (carry a Geothermal Application No.)
Record Retention
Keep daily drilling log at well site during drilling for inspection. Maintain CE certificates for 3 years for audit.
Licensing Requirements
Idaho requires licensed drillers and operators per Idaho Code §42-238 and IDAPA 37.03.10.
License Types
| License Type | Fee | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Driller License | $200 | 2 years | Initial application + exam (Idaho Code §42-238) |
| Drilling Equipment Operator Permit | $25 | 2 years | Rig operator permit (600 hrs experience) |
| Driller Renewal | $100 + $15/operator | 2 years | Plus $15 per employed operator |
| Driller Bond | $5,000-$20,000 | Licensing period | Amount set by the Director (Idaho Code §42-238(7)); $10,000 minimum in an area of drilling concern |
Experience Requirements
- Well Driller License: 24 months of drilling experience (12 within last 5 years). Classroom training can substitute up to 12 months.
- Operator Permit: 600 hours of drilling experience under supervision
- Exam: Written/oral exam required for both driller and operator. Passing score 70%; written exams are offered on the first Monday of each quarter
- References: Applications must include references, experience logs, and compliance history
Continuing Education
- Hours required: 12 CE credits per 2-year renewal cycle
- Mandatory topic: At least 2 hours on Idaho Rules & Regulations
- Provider: Idaho Ground Water Association (IGWA) administers CE program under IDWR oversight
- Record retention: Keep certificates for 3 years for audit
- Delayed renewal: Director may delay renewal up to 90 days to verify credits
Renewal Cycle
Licenses expire March 31 every 2 years. Renewal fees: $100 plus $15 for each operator employed. IDWR must receive a complete renewal application by March 15 to keep the license in force without a gap. Submit it with CE documentation and current surety bond.
Reporting & Documentation
| Document | Deadline | Submit To |
|---|---|---|
| Well Driller's Report | 30 days after completion | IDWR (file with Director + copy to owner) |
| Notification of Seal | At least 4 hours before placing any annular seal | IDWR regional office (phone 877-287-6702 + region extension) |
| Drilling Permit Application | Before drilling begins | IDWR ($75 domestic, $200 other) |
| Authorization to Decommission a Well (Form 238(4)-2) | Submit at least 72 hours before decommissioning (no fee); page 2 report within 30 days after the work | IDWR regional office |
| License Renewal | Complete application at IDWR by March 15 (license expires March 31, every 2 years) | IDWR + CE documentation + bond |
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)
- Surface seal must reach at least 38 ft below land surface in wells deeper than 38 ft (IDAPA 37.03.09)
- 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:
| Contamination Source | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Other well (different owner) | 25 ft |
| Public-supply well (other owner) | 50 ft |
| Septic tank | 50 ft |
| Septic drainfield | 100 ft |
| Large sewage drainfield (>2,500 gpd) | 300 ft |
| Sewer main (pressurized) | 100 ft |
| Sewer main (gravity, multi-source) | 50 ft |
| Sewer lateral (single home, tested) | 25 ft |
| Effluent pipe (septic line) | 50 ft |
| Property line | 5 ft |
| Permanent building | 10 ft |
| Chemical storage (aboveground) | 20 ft |
| Surface water (permanent, or intermittent more than 2 months) | 50 ft |
| Canals, ditches, laterals and other temporary surface water (under 2 months) | 25 ft |
Additional Setbacks
Idaho Dept. Health & Welfare Rules (IDAPA 58.01.03) may impose additional setbacks for sewage systems. Always check local health district requirements.
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
Northern Idaho (Panhandle)
Geology: Hard crystalline rocks (Proterozoic Belt Supergroup, Idaho Batholith, Precambrian granites/gneisses, Paleozoic limestones)
- Fractured bedrock aquifers, glacial/alluvial deposits
- Hard-rock drilling/blasting common; yields usually modest
- Typical depths: 50-500 ft (can exceed 1,000 ft in mountains)
- Heavy rotary or DTH rigs often required
SW Idaho (Boise/Weiser/Payette)
Geology: Miocene-Pliocene basalts (Idavada, Bruneau Formations); alluvial/gravel aquifers along rivers
- Layered lava flows, clay/sand interbeds
- High flows possible; cave-in and lost circulation between flows
- Typical depths: 100-300 ft (Boise-Treasure Valley 150-300 ft)
- Polymer or bentonite mud controls often used
Eastern Idaho (Snake River Plain)
Geology: Thick Quaternary basalt flows (Eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho Group basalts)
- Many irrigation wells; abundant water
- Artesian conditions common in confined zones
- Typical depths: 300-500 ft (can exceed 1,000 ft in deep basalt)
- Pressure-control equipment may be needed
Southern Idaho (Owyhee/Desert)
Geology: Complex - basement rocks (granite, schist) in ranges; basalts in Snake Plain; ash-flow tuffs/alluvium
- Deep fracture/granite wells in mountains
- Moderately deep basalt wells in plains
- Some areas have thermal springs and warm aquifers
- Variable depths by formation
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
Well Log Database
IDWR's well log database is searchable by township/area to check actual depths and conditions in your drilling area.
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.
Areas of Drilling Concern
IDAPA 37.03.09.040 allows IDWR to designate special zones for warm/pressured aquifers or known contamination. In an approved Area of Drilling Concern, driller must post $10,000 bond and demonstrate expertise. Current ADOCs include hot-water fields and pollutant zones. Check IDWR Areas of Drilling Concern page for active designations (e.g., Bunker Hill Superfund area, West Boise PCE contamination).
Resources & Contacts
IDWR Wells Program
Licensing, permits, forms, compliance questions
IDWR Well Drillers Notification
Toll-free hotline for seal placement notification
Idaho Ground Water Association (IGWA)
CE courses (12 credits/2yr, incl. 2 hrs Idaho Rules)
IDWR Regional Offices
North (208-762-2800), West (208-334-2190), South (208-736-3033), East (208-525-7161)
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
How do I obtain a well driller license in Idaho?
Document 24 months of drilling experience (12 within last 5 years), pass a written/oral exam, and pay a $200 application fee per Idaho Code §42-238. Classroom training can substitute up to 12 months. Operator permits require 600 hours of experience and a $25 fee. Apply through IDWR under IDAPA 37.03.10.
What are the CE requirements for Idaho drillers?
12 continuing education credits every 2 years, including at least 2 hours of Idaho Rules & Regulations training. IGWA administers the CE program under IDWR oversight. Keep certificates for 3 years for audit. Failure to meet CE can delay renewal up to 90 days.
How soon must I file the well log?
Within 30 days after completion of drilling. Complete the Well Driller's Report on IDWR form and submit to the Director. A copy must also be given to the well owner. Keep the daily log at the well site during drilling for inspection.
What are the key setback requirements in Idaho?
100 ft from septic drainfields, 50 ft from septic tanks and effluent pipes, 300 ft from large (>2,500 gpd) drainfields, 25 ft from other wells (different owner), 10 ft from buildings, and 5 ft from property lines. See IDAPA 37.03.09.025 for complete requirements.
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our Idaho well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
Idaho Homeowner Well Guide →Sources & References
All information on this page is sourced from official Idaho government agencies and regulations:
- Idaho Department of Water Resources - Wells
- Idaho Code §42-235 - Drilling Permits
- Idaho Code §42-238 - Well Drillers' Licenses and Operator Permits
- IDAPA 37.03.09 - Well Construction Standards Rules
- IDAPA 37.03.09.025 - Construction of Cold Water Wells
- IDAPA 37.03.10 - Well Driller Licensing Rules
- Idaho Ground Water Association - Education
- Idaho DEQ - Drinking Water Contaminants