Forms & Resources
Well Construction Notification
Required before drilling any new water-supply well. Fee: $325.
File via eWells PortalWell and Boring Record
Required after completion. Due within 30 days. Submit to MDH + owner.
Submit via eWellsOnline Submission Preferred
Use the MDH eWells Portal for all notifications and reports. Electronic filing is faster.
Licensing Requirements
Minnesota requires licensed drillers per Minn. Stat. Ch. 103I and Minn. R. Ch. 4725.
License Fees (2025)
Late Renewal
Late renewal fee is $75. Renew before expiration to avoid penalties.
Experience Requirements
Education Credit
A two-year lab/technical degree may count for up to 2 years' experience.
Exam & Application Process
- Submit Qualification Application to MDH with experience documentation
- Once approved, schedule the written state exam
- Passing score required (no exam for licensed engineers/geologists acting as reps)
- License issued upon passing exam and fee payment
- Annual renewal required before expiration date
Continuing Education
- Hours required: 2 contact hours per year
- Who needs CE: All Certified Representatives (required for renewal)
- Providers: MDH-approved providers (MDH sponsors annual workshops)
- Record retention: Keep certificates for 1 year after course date for audit
Reporting & Documentation
Well and Boring Record Requirements
The well record must include:
- Depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
- Water-bearing zones encountered
- Casing sizes, materials, and depths
- Grouting/sealing information
- Pump test data (yield, drawdown)
- Initial water test results (coliform, nitrate, arsenic)
Water Testing Required
All new wells must be tested for coliform bacteria, nitrate (as N), and arsenicby an MDH-accredited lab. Submit results to MDH and provide copy to owner before well use.
Construction Standards (Minn. R. Ch. 4725)
Casing Materials
- New casing required: All permanent potable wells
- Watertight joints: No holes, cracks, or separations
- Salvaged casing: Only from same type of well, salvaged within 120 days
- Marked and vented: Above frost line
Grouting/Sealing
- Approved materials: Neat portland cement, cement-sand grout, or bentonite (15% by weight)
- Annular seal: Fill annulus from bottom to surface via tremie method
Setback Requirements
Reference: Minn. R. 4725.4450. Distances measured from well casing termination.
Disinfection
All new or recently repaired potable wells must be disinfected:
- Flood well with chlorine solution (≥50 ppm free chlorine)
- Retain chlorine for at least 2 hours before pumping
- Use ANSI/NSF-60 chlorine (no perfumes/additives; pool chemicals prohibited)
- Pump until odor-free before collecting test samples
Drilling Conditions by Region
Geology Reference
Reference the DNR Groundwater Provinces Map for regional aquifer information.
Northeast Minnesota (Arrowhead)
- Crystalline hard rock (granite/gneiss)
- Cable or rotary drilling required
- Low yields typical (tens of gpm)
- Depths: 50–300 ft (fracture-dependent)
Central/Southern Minnesota
- Paleozoic sandstone/limestone aquifers
- Artesian conditions possible (flowing wells)
- Good yields (hundreds of gpm)
- Depths: 100–600 ft typical
Seasonal Considerations
- Freeze: Frost depths exceed 4–5 ft. Extend casing below frost. Consider winter suspensions or insulated heaters for grout curing.
- Flooding: Spring runoff can flood fields. Avoid construction in saturated ground.
- Water table fluctuation: Peak in spring. Account for seasonal changes in yield tests.
Special Requirements
Arsenic Advisory Areas
Arsenic is naturally elevated in many Minnesota aquifers. MDH identifies local Arsenic Advisory Areas:
- Consider drilling/perforating below shallow arsenic zones
- All new wells must be tested for arsenic (state requirement)
- Treatment required if ≥10 µg/L under EPA/MDH standards
DNR High-Capacity Permits
If well will withdraw >10,000 gallons/day, obtain DNR preliminary approval before drilling:
- Submit well location, aquifer, and planned pump rates to DNR
- Wait for DNR agreement before construction begins
- Contact: DNR Water Use Permits (651-259-5654)
Resources & Contacts
Sources & References
View All Sources
Primary Regulatory Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my Minnesota driller license?
Renew annually before your expiration date. Well Contractor license fee is $300/year; Certified Representative is $100/year. You must complete 2 hours of MDH-approved CE annually before renewal. Late renewal incurs a $75 fee. All reporting requirements must be current.
What are the CE requirements for Minnesota drillers?
2 contact hours per year of MDH-approved continuing education. All Certified Representatives must complete CE to renew their license. MDH sponsors annual training workshops. Keep CE certificates for 1 year after the course date for audit.
How soon must I file the well log?
Within 30 days after completion. Submit the Well and Boring Record to MDH (via eWells or paper form). Provide a signed copy to the well owner. Include depth, lithology, water zones, casing details, pump data, and initial water test results (coliform, nitrate, arsenic).
What are the setback requirements in Minnesota?
100 ft from septic tanks/privies, 100-300 ft from chemical storage or large livestock areas, 300 ft from industrial wastewater ponds (Minn. R. 4725.4450). Isolation distances are measured from well casing termination. Local guidelines may impose greater setbacks.
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our Minnesota well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
Minnesota Homeowner Well Guide →