Nebraska Well Driller Compliance Reference

All DWEE Forms

• DWEE WWR: Water Well Registration Form (new wells)
• DWEE Form COO-01: Change of Ownership Form (no fee)
• DWEE DECO: Decommissioning Form (no fee)
• WAT310: Exam Application (licensing)
• Pump Installation/Modification Form: Report any pump work (no fee)

Nebraska requires state licensing for all water well construction, pump installation, and decommissioning per §46-1231.

License Categories

Exam Process

License Renewal

Continuing Education

Registration amounts below are for a single well; monitoring and observation wells are $240 regardless of the pumping-rate categories. July 2026 instructions A-D set separate site-plan/series fees: $240 for a closed-loop heat exchanger series; irrigation fees for the first two wells only; monitoring/hydrogeologic/contaminant-extraction fees for the first five individually and each additional group of up to five. The $240/$280 total already includes the Board fee.

For remedial action approved by DWEE under sections 66-1525, 66-1529.02 or 81-15,124, July 2026 instructions, section D instead charges $200 per approved site plus reduced fees: $40 for monitoring/observation wells or wells pumping less than 50 gpm; $80 for other wells pumping 50 gpm or more. Charge each of the first five wells, then one fee per additional group of up to five based on its highest pumping rate (14 monitoring wells: $480 total).

Well Registration Requirements

By statute (§46-602), the well registration must include:

• Site data and property location (legal description)
• Owner information and driller license number
• Well depth, casing sizes, materials, and depths
• Lithology log (formation descriptions)
• Water-bearing zones encountered
• Grouting/sealing information per Title 134
• Static water level and yield data

Record Retention

Licensees must retain records of all operations. Keep copies of licensing documents, well permit forms, well logs, and CE certificates. While no specific statutory retention period exists for private records, it is prudent to keep records for several yearsand for the duration of the well's existence.

Chart 1 is the general rule except for wells covered by Chapter 4 section 005. Chart 2 reductions need prior written DWEE approval, inability to meet Chart 1, a full chip-bentonite seal above the gravel pack to the surface, and sufficient silts/clays for a protective seal; the Chart 2 minimums still apply.

Nebraska's primary well drilling regulations are codified in Title 134, Nebraska Administrative Code (effective June 28, 2026). Chapters 1-5 govern the program; Chapter 4 contains technical standards for water well construction, pump installation, and decommissioning.

Casing Materials

All wells (except test holes) must be cased with durable, non-toxic materials. Casing walls must withstand soil pressures and corrosion. Casing must be centered with at least 2" annular space filled with grout.

Screens

• Screened openings must be non-toxic metal or plastic
• Continuous slots, punched/molded slots ≥0.006" (torching prohibited)
• Apertures should retain ≥85% of gravel pack or ≥50% of aquifer material

Grouting & Sealing

Wells must be sealed to prevent cross-contamination between aquifers:

• Approved grouts: Neat cement slurry (≤5.2 gal water per 94 lb bag cement; no fly-ash) or bentonite grouts
• Cement placement: Must not free-fall more than ~10 ft
• Separation: Cement can be separated from bentonite by 2-4 ft of fine sand
• Primary aquifer seal: Minimum 5 ft of bentonite slurry (or high-solids cement) just below static water level
• Pitless adapter: If used, 5 ft seal required below adapter
• Annular space: Must be completely grouted to land surface

Setback Requirements

Disinfection

After development, potable wells must be disinfected (chlorinated) before use, per DWEE guidance (typically 25-100 mg/L Cl₂ residual). An official "Waiver of Disinfection" form exists for owners who decline chlorination after understanding the risks. Operators should flush until clear, then collect a bacteriological sample for testing.

High-Capacity Wells (>50 gpm)

Any new well designed to pump >50 gallons per minute must obtain a drilling permit prior to construction from the local Natural Resources District (NRD). A few NRDs have lower thresholds (e.g., >20 gpm). Contact your NRD early when planning large irrigation or municipal wells.

Domestic Wells (≤50 gpm)

• Typically require only registration with DWEE (no NRD permit)
• Registration fee: $240
• Due within 60 days of completion
• Some NRDs may have additional rules - always check local NRD

Special Permits

Seasonal Considerations

• Frost line: Generally 2-3 ft in winter. Deep drilling best when ground unfrozen or rigs thawed
• Spring thaws: Raise water table and flooding risk
• Flood plains: Wellhead must be above 100-year flood level
• Summer: High water demand may draw down shallow levels; plan for seasonal fluctuation

Regulatory References

• Title 134, Nebraska Administrative Code – Water Well Standards (all chapters)
• Nebraska Revised Statute §46-602 – Well registration (60 days)
• Nebraska Revised Statute §46-1231 – Licensed drillers required
• 134 NAC Chapter 4 – General requirements (setbacks, casing, grouting)
• 134 NAC Chapter 2 – Continuing competency requirements
• 134 NAC Chapter 4 – Water well decommissioning