Forms & Resources
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days.
Submit via eDEP portal (preferred) or paper form. File with both MassDEP and local Board of Health.
Access Forms ↗Required when abandoning/plugging a well. Due within 30 days.
Detail plugging method (grout/concrete to bottom, surface seal).
Access Forms ↗Additional Forms
- BRP WS-38a: Certification Application / Renewal
- Geothermal Closed-Loop Well Report: For ground source heat pump wells
- Injurious Water Report: Report contaminated water encountered during drilling
Certification Requirements
Massachusetts issues Certified Well Driller licenses per MGL c.21G §20 and 310 CMR 46.00.
Certification Types
- Required for all well drilling work
- 36 months experience + exam
- Annual renewal (Jan–Dec)
- Rig permit required for each rig
- For monitoring/environmental wells only
- Requires NGWA/NDCA credentials
- Separate certification category
- No water supply wells permitted
Renewal Process
- Renewal period: January 1 – December 31 (annual)
- Notice: MassDEP sends renewal letters by late October
- Deadline: Renewal application + fee must be received by December 31
- Late penalty: Double fee for late renewals
- No CE required: Massachusetts does not currently mandate continuing education
Reporting & Documentation
Well Completion Report Requirements
The well completion report must include:
- Depth and lithology (formation descriptions by depth)
- Water-bearing zones encountered
- Casing sizes, materials (steel/PVC/fiberglass), and depths
- Grouting/sealing information (annular seal details)
- Pump test data (drawdown, recovery, yield)
- Static water level and final well yield
- Disinfection method and date
Record Retention
While Massachusetts regulations do not specify an exact retention period, industry best practice is to retain well logs and completion reports indefinitely or for at least 3-5 years.
Construction Standards (310 CMR 46.00)
Casing Requirements
- Material: "Impervious, durable pipe" (steel, PVC, fiberglass)
- Steel: New ASTM-A53 or equivalent, minimum Schedule 10
- PVC: NSF/ANSI-certified (ASTM F480, labeled "NSF-pw")
- Fiberglass: Must meet NSF-61/ASTM D-2996
- Depth: Casing must be set to bedrock or below frost/fill layers
Grout Seal (Annular Seal)
- Grout seal required in annular space to prevent surface contamination
- MassDEP guidelines recommend grouting upper 50 ft minimum
- Use neat cement or bentonite-cement mixture
- Seal must extend from surface to competent formation
Wellhead Protection
- Watertight sanitary seal/cap required
- Wellhead must extend 6-18 inches above grade
- Slope grading away from well to prevent surface water entry
- Pitless adapter installations must be watertight
Setback Requirements
Disinfection
All new, reconditioned, or repaired wells for human consumption must be disinfected before use. MassDEP recommends:
- Add chlorine (household bleach) to achieve strong residual (50-100 ppm)
- Recirculate for 15+ minutes to distribute chlorine throughout well
- Let stand overnight (12-24 hours)
- Flush until chlorine odor disappears (24+ hours after treatment)
- Test for bacteria 24 hours after flushing complete
Permits
Local Board of Health Permits
All private wells require a permit from the local Board of Healthper MGL c.21G §20. There is no state-level well permit; all permitting is local.
- Application: Typically submitted by driller or homeowner
- Required documents: Site plan, driller certification, abutter notification
- Fees: $100–$300 (varies by town)
- Processing time: 1–4 weeks
Water Management Act (High-Capacity Wells)
Wells withdrawing ≥100,000 gallons/day (annual average) or ≥9 million gallons in any 3-month period require a permit from MassDEP per 310 CMR 36.00.
- Application: Form BRP WMA-02
- Requirements: Hydrogeologic data, water-use plans, public notice
- Processing: ~72 days review + 90-day applicant response period
- Permit term: Up to 20 years
- Ongoing: Metering, annual reporting, conservation measures
Geothermal Wells (Closed-Loop)
As of December 2, 2016, Massachusetts no longer requires UIC registrationfor closed-loop geothermal wells installed per DEP guidelines (310 CMR 27.00).
- Reporting: Still required via "Geothermal Closed-Loop Well Report"
- Compliance: Must follow MassDEP GSHP design standards
- Contact: UIC Program (Duane.Levangie@mass.gov) for questions
Monitoring/Environmental Wells
No special permit required beyond certified driller license. Report using General Well Report or Decommissioned Well Report as appropriate.
Drilling Conditions by Region
Massachusetts features diverse geology from coastal glacial deposits to hard metamorphic bedrock. Depth and conditions vary dramatically by region.
Common Drilling Challenges
Hard Rock Drilling
Central and Western MA feature very hard metamorphic and igneous bedrock. Expect frequent bit wear, slow progress, and potential for dry holes in granite formations. Average yields often <5 gpm in upland areas.
Flowing Conditions
Coastal and valley glacial aquifers (Cape Cod, Connecticut Valley) can produce high-yield wells with artesian pressure. Prepare for rapid water influx during drilling. Powerful pumps may be needed.
Seasonal Effects
Northern/Western MA sees ground frost to 3-4 ft in winter. Spring snowmelt raises water tables and can flood drilling sites. Summer droughts lower static levels. Plan accordingly for surface casing and site access.
Arsenic/Uranium Zones
Central and northeastern bedrock (Merrimack Valley, Clinton-Newbury fault) commonly contains elevated arsenic and uranium. Ensure robust grouting and recommend arsenic testing to homeowners. Treatment may be required.
Resources & Contacts
Regulatory References
- 310 CMR 46.00 – Certification of Well Drillers and Filing of Well Completion Reports
- MGL c.21G – Groundwater protection and well driller licensing
- 310 CMR 15.211 (Title 5) – Setback requirements from septic systems
- 310 CMR 36.00 – Water Management Act (high-capacity well permits)
- 310 CMR 27.00 – Underground Injection Control (geothermal wells)
Additional Resources
- MassDEP Private Well Guidelines – Best practices for drillers and boards of health
- MassDEP Certified Well Driller List – Annual list of active certified drillers
- Massachusetts Ground Water Association (MGWA) – Industry association and resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check out our Massachusetts well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
Massachusetts Homeowner Well Guide →