Kansas Well Driller Compliance Reference

Forms & Resources

KOLAR (Kansas Online Automated Reporting)

KOLAR is the official electronic system for filing well reports and license applications/renewals. Use it to:

• Submit WWC-5 (construction) and WWC-5P (plugging) reports
• Renew your license (WWC-1) and pay fees online
• Search historical well logs by location
• Track your submitted reports and license status

Licensing Requirements

Kansas requires licensed water well contractors per K.S.A. 82a-1201 et seq. and K.A.R. 28-30.

How to Get Licensed

1. Submit WWC-1 application with $10 exam fee to KDHE
2. Pass the state-approved exam (Kansas water laws, drilling/construction standards, hydrogeology)
3. Pay $100 license fee plus $25 per drill rig
4. Receive your license certificate and rig registration

License Fees

Continuing Education (CE)

Reporting & Documentation

WWC-5 Requirements

The well construction report (drilling log) must include:

• Well location (legal description, GPS coordinates)
• Depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
• Water-bearing zones encountered, static water level
• Casing sizes, materials, and depths
• Grouting/sealing information (depth, material)
• Pump test data (if conducted)
• Contamination sources within setback distances

Record Retention

Keep copies of all well logs, WWC-5 reports, and CE certificates indefinitely. KDHE/KGS archives submitted logs for public access. You must provide outstanding records at renewal.

Construction Standards (K.A.R. 28-30)

Casing Materials

• PVC: Must be NSF/ANSI-certified (marked "NSF-pw") and durable
• Steel: New ASTM-A53 pipe (minimum Schedule 10)
• Fiberglass: Must meet NSF-61 drinking water standards

Annular Seal (Grouting)

• Grout from ground level to minimum 20 ft depth or 5 ft into clay/shale (whichever is deeper)
• If pitless adapter installed, grout from below adapter to 20 ft depth
• Multiple aquifers must be isolated by sealing between them
• Use cement grout or bentonite clay (must be impervious)

Disinfection (K.A.R. 28-30-10)

All new or rehabilitated wells for drinking/food use must be disinfected:

• Flood well with ≥100 mg/L chlorine and circulate
• Rinse pump casing, column, and parts with ≥200 mg/L chlorine solution
• Gravel-packed wells: disinfect gravel in ≥200 mg/L chlorine bath before placement
• Contractor is responsible for adequate disinfection whenever equipment is installed or disturbed

Setback Requirements (K.A.R. 28-30-8)

KDHE regulations prohibit well siting within unsafe distances of contamination sources. Specific setbacks vary by source type (septic systems, livestock yards, chemical storage, etc.). Always review K.A.R. 28-30-8 for current requirements.

Permits

Local Permits

Some Kansas counties require local well permits before drilling. For example, Sedgwick County requires a $50 water well permit obtained before drilling. Check with local county environmental/sanitation offices.

High-Capacity Wells (Water Rights)

Any well intended to withdraw large volumes (typically >50 gpm or >10 acre-feet/year) requires an appropriation permit from KDA Division of Water Resources (K.S.A. 82a-701 et seq.).

• Contact KDA-DWR before drilling high-capacity wells: 785-564-6640
• Application processing can take several weeks
• Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs) may have additional requirements

Special Wells

• Geothermal (heat pump) holes: Treated as water wells under K.A.R. 28-30. Must be constructed and plugged to KDHE standards. No extra license needed.
• Monitoring/test wells: Same construction standards apply. File WWC-5 within 30 days of completion.

Drilling Conditions by Region

Special Contamination Areas

Resources & Contacts

Regulatory References

• K.S.A. 82a-1201 et seq. – Kansas Groundwater Exploration and Protection Act
• K.A.R. 28-30-3 – Licensing requirements
• K.A.R. 28-30-4 – General operating requirements
• K.A.R. 28-30-6 – Well construction standards
• K.A.R. 28-30-10 – Well disinfection requirements

Frequently Asked Questions