Iowa Well Drilling Guide

Iowa governs well drilling through Iowa Code ch. 455B and Iowa Admin. Code 567 Ch. 49 (construction standards) and Ch. 82 (certification). Wells supplying fewer than 15 connections or less than 25 people/day are "private"; those exceeding this are "public" and fall under stricter rules (567 IAC Ch. 43).

Forms & Resources

IWIS (Iowa Wells Information System)

The online portal for submitting well logs, tracking permits, and accessing water test results. All contractors should create an IWIS account for electronic reporting.

• Submit well construction reports electronically
• Track permit applications and approvals
• Access historical well data statewide
• View water quality test results

Certification Requirements

Iowa requires DNR-certified contractors for all well services per 567 IAC Ch. 82.

Certification Types

How to Get Certified

1. Gain Experience: Complete 1–2 years on-the-job training under a certified contractor
2. Apply: Submit DNR certification application form (542-1433) with required documentation
3. Study: Review DNR study guides covering well construction standards and Iowa codes
4. Exam: Pass the state certification exam (scheduled through DNR)
5. Fee: Pay required application/exam fee (contact DNR for current rates)
6. Receive Certification: DNR issues certification card upon passing all requirements

Continuing Education

Additional Registration

Reporting & Documentation

Well Log Requirements

The well construction log (Form 542-8170IGS) must include:

• Well location (GPS coordinates preferred)
• Total depth and drilling method
• Lithology (formation descriptions) by depth interval
• Water-bearing zones encountered
• Casing diameter, material, and depth
• Grouting/sealing materials and depths
• Screen intervals (if applicable)
• Pump test data (yield, drawdown)
• Static water level
• Completion date and contractor certification

Record Retention

While Iowa law doesn't specify retention periods for contractors, best practice is to keep copies of all well logs, permits, plugging records, and related documents for the life of the well. The DNR and county offices retain submitted reports indefinitely in IWIS.

Construction Standards (567 IAC Ch. 49)

Casing Materials

• Steel: New ASTM-compliant steel casing required (no used casing)
• PVC: Must be NSF/ANSI-certified for potable water (NSF-61)
• Diameter: Typically ≥8 inches for drilled wells (depends on depth and use)
• Depth: Must extend through unconsolidated deposits into competent material

Annular Seal (Grouting)

Critical requirement: Iowa mandates full-depth grouting of the annular space around the casing (567 IAC 49.2(21)).

• Grout material: Bentonite or neat cement
• Extend from surface down through all unconsolidated deposits
• Typically several tens of feet to a permanent confining layer
• Must isolate shallow groundwater from surface contamination
• For monitoring wells, grout to top of screening interval

Setback Requirements

Wells must be located "free from known surface and subsurface contamination." Typical setback distances:

Disinfection

Mandatory: All new or serviced drinking water wells must be disinfected during construction. Wells must be flushed and chlorinated (typically 50–100 mg/L chlorine) and the contractor must verify bacteria-free water before completion.

Wellhead Completion

• Top of casing must be well above grade (prevent surface water entry)
• Sanitary well cap required (vermin-proof, watertight)
• Grade area to drain away from wellhead
• Casing must extend minimum height above flood level

Permits

Private Well Construction Permits

All private wells require construction permits from the local county health department before drilling (except Osceola County, which uses DNR directly).

• Who applies: Usually homeowner, but contractor often assists
• Fee: Varies by county (typically $50–$150, includes $25 to DNR)
• Processing: 2–4 weeks (longer if DNR review required)
• Trigger for DNR review: Sites near contamination sources

High-Capacity Well Permits

Wells withdrawing ≥25,000 gallons per day require a Water Use and Allocation Permit from Iowa DNR Water Resources (per Iowa Code §455B and 567 IAC).

• Applies to irrigation, industrial, or large livestock operations
• Ensure customer obtains use permit before drilling
• Contact DNR Water Resources: 515-281-5918

Special Permits

• Geothermal (GHEX): Boreholes ≥20 ft deep require same permit as water wells
• Monitoring Wells: Generally require private well permit unless part of DNR-directed cleanup (UST, landfill monitoring)
• Dewatering Wells: Require construction permit PLUS NPDES GP9 permit for discharge
• Drilling Wastewater (GP6): If drilling wastewater reaches surface waters, obtain NPDES GP6 permit and notify DNR Field Office before construction
• Floodplain Wells: May require Flood Plain Development Permit

Drilling Conditions by Region

Iowa's geology varies significantly across the state, affecting drilling methods, depths, and challenges.

Seasonal Considerations

• Winter: Frost up to 1–2 ft deep; must clear for grout placement. Cold, slippery conditions slow work
• Spring: High water tables and flooding (especially river valleys) may delay drilling. Wet conditions can cause borehole collapse
• Summer/Fall: Best drilling conditions. Droughts can lower water tables, requiring deeper wells
• Rainy seasons: Borehole collapse risk in sands; use casing or drilling fluid to stabilize

Resources & Contacts

Regulatory References

• 567 IAC Ch. 49 – Nonpublic Water Wells: Permits and Construction (PDF)
• 567 IAC Ch. 82 – Well Contractor Certification
• 567 IAC Ch. 39 – Well Plugging
• 567 IAC Ch. 43 – Public Water Supply Wells (reference)
• Iowa Code §455B – Water Use and Allocation

Online Systems

• IWIS (Iowa Wells Information System): programs.iowadnr.gov/iowawellinformationsystem
• DNR Operator Certification Database: Verify certifications
• GP6 Well Siting Tool: Online mapper to check distances to streams for NPDES GP6

Frequently Asked Questions