Forms & Resources
Well Completion Report (GW-2)
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days.
Download Form ↗Well Abandonment Form (GW-5)
Required when permanently sealing a well. Due within 30 days.
Download Form ↗All VDH Forms
- GW-2: Uniform Water Well Completion Report (all new, altered, or abandoned wells)
- GW-5: Well Abandonment Form (permanent sealing)
- Well Construction Permit: Obtained by property owner from local health department
- High-Capacity Registration: DEQ form for wells ≥300,000 gal/month (myDEQ portal)
Online Submission: Some localities accept electronic GW-2 submissions via DEQ's myDEQ portal. Always submit a copy to the local health department.
Certification Requirements
Virginia requires certified Water Well Systems Providers for all drilling, installation, and repair work (Code §54.1-1129).
Certification Levels
Master On-Site Requirement
As of July 1, 2012, a Master-level certified provider must be on-site during any well drilling or alteration work. Trainee and Journeyman levels must work under Master supervision.
Continuing Education
- Hours required: 8 hours per 2-year renewal cycle
- Topics: Well construction, regulations, business/legal issues
- Providers: Board-approved (NGWA, community colleges, VA Water Well Assoc.)
- Contact: WaterWasteOper@dpor.virginia.gov for approved CE list
Renewal
Certifications renew biennially (every 2 years). Renewal applications require proof of 8 CE hours. Fees vary by level. Renew online through DPOR before your expiration date to avoid late fees.
Exam Information
After DPOR approves your application, schedule the written or oral exam covering Virginia statutes, regulations, hydrogeology, and well construction standards. Study the DPOR candidate handbook.
Reporting & Documentation
Completion Report Requirements
The GW-2 report must include:
- Owner and property information
- Well depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
- Water-bearing zones encountered
- Casing sizes, materials, and depths
- Grouting/sealing information
- Disinfection method and results
- Water quality test results (bacteria)
- Driller certification signature
Pre-Construction Notification
You must notify the local health department before starting construction. This allows VDH field staff to observe or inspect the site. Coordinate with the property owner to ensure the VDH permit has been obtained before drilling begins.
Construction Standards (12VAC5-630)
Well Classes & Requirements
Casing Materials
- Steel: New ASTM-approved steel casing
- Stainless steel: Approved for corrosive environments
- PVC/Plastic: NSF-approved for water contact; not for all applications
- Fiberglass: Approved with proper specifications
- All materials must be NSF/ANSI-certified for potable water
Annular Seal (Grouting)
- Grout with neat cement or bentonite-cement grout
- Class IIIA/IVA wells: minimum 20 ft grout depth
- Class IIIB/IVB wells: minimum 50 ft grout depth
- Class IIIC/IVC wells: minimum 20 ft or full-depth if casing <20 ft
- Grouting must be continuous from bottom of casing to surface
Setback Requirements
Local Variations
Always check with the local health department for additional setback requirements. Some counties impose stricter buffers in watershed protection or special planning areas.
Disinfection
All new, reconditioned, or repaired wells for human consumption must be disinfected per 12VAC5-630-430:
- Maintain ~100 mg/L chlorine for 24 hours, OR
- Higher dose/shorter time to achieve ≥1,000 contact-unit exposure
- Flush well thoroughly after chlorination
- Collect water sample for bacteria testing at VELAP-certified lab
Permits
Well Construction Permit
All private drinking-water wells require a construction permit from the local health department. The property owner must obtain this permit before drilling begins.
- Fee: $300 (fixed statewide)
- Issuing authority: Local VDH health department
- Processing time: 2–6 weeks (varies by district)
- Requirements: Site evaluation, setback compliance, owner authorization
High-Capacity Wells (Groundwater Management Areas)
Wells withdrawing ≥300,000 gallons per month in designated Groundwater Management Areas (Shenandoah Valley, Northern VA, Tidewater, Eastern Shore) require:
- Groundwater Withdrawal Permit from DEQ (Code §62.1-258)
- Registration within 30 days of completion
- Hydrogeologic studies and coordination with local water agencies
- Contact DEQ at (804) 754-6250 or withdrawal.permitting@deq.virginia.gov
Special Permits
- Geothermal (closed-loop): Generally do not require VDH permitting; no casing required if sealed. Open-loop geothermal wells are treated as private wells.
- Monitoring/Observation Wells: Largely exempt from 12VAC5-630, but must be constructed safely. If later used as water source, must meet private well criteria. Must be abandoned within 90 days of ending use.
- Well Lot Dedication: Subdivision drinking wells require recorded dedication document. Contact VDH Drinking Water Permits program for form.
Drilling Conditions by Region
Coastal Plain (East of I-95)
- Unconsolidated sediments (sand, gravel, clay)
- Typical depths: 100–600 ft (confined aquifers)
- High yields possible (tens to hundreds gpm)
- Artesian conditions common at depth
- Challenges: Sand collapse, saltwater intrusion near coast
Piedmont
- Thin soil over igneous/metamorphic bedrock
- Typical depths: 100–400 ft (fractured rock)
- Moderate yields (5–50 gpm); spotty fracture networks
- Water quality usually good; iron may be high
- Challenges: Hard rock (slow drilling), variable yields
Blue Ridge Mountains
- Hard volcanic/metamorphic rocks
- Typical depths: 100–500 ft (fractured bedrock)
- Highly variable yields (few gpm to >100 gpm)
- Artesian flow possible in consolidated aquifer
- Challenges: Very hard rock, radon/uranium common
Valley & Ridge
- Folded sedimentary rocks (sandstone, shale, limestone)
- Karst features in limestone areas (sinkholes, caves)
- Typical depths: 50–200 ft
- High yields in limestone (10–200 gpm)
- Challenges: Caving zones, contamination risk (karst)
Appalachian Plateau (SW VA)
- Sandstone/shale/coal geology
- Typical depths: 100–300 ft (fractured sandstone)
- Moderate but erratic yields
- Challenges: Iron, methane, acidity from coal layers
Seasonal Considerations
Northern and high-elevation areas: Frost line reaches 1–2 ft; wells must be cased below frost. Spring recharge can cause high static levels; summer droughts may drop shallow unconfined wells. Plan disinfection and pump testing accordingly.
Resources & Contacts
Regulatory References
- 12VAC5-630 – Virginia Private Well Regulations (complete code)
- Code of Virginia §54.1-1129 – Necessity for licensure (certified providers required)
- Code of Virginia §54.1-1129.1 – Certification of water well systems providers; continuing education
- Code of Virginia §62.1-258 – Groundwater withdrawal permits (high-capacity wells)
Professional Associations
- Virginia Water Well Association (VA Water Well Assoc.) – Local training and industry guidance
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA) – National CE courses and certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification do I need to drill wells in Virginia?
Virginia requires certification as a Water Well Systems Provider through DPOR. Three levels exist: Trainee (≥1 year experience), Journeyman (≥3 years + 24 hrs coursework), and Master (≥6 years + 48 hrs coursework). A Master-level provider must be on-site during drilling or alteration work.
What are the CE requirements for Virginia well drillers?
8 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years (biennial renewal). Topics must cover technical well construction, state/private-well laws, and business/legal issues. Contact DPOR at WaterWasteOper@dpor.virginia.gov for approved CE providers.
How soon must I file the well completion report?
Within 30 days after completion, alteration, or abandonment. Submit the Uniform Water Well Completion Report (GW-2 form) to the local health department. High-capacity wells (≥300k gal/mo) must also be registered with DEQ within 30 days.
What are the setback requirements in Virginia?
100 ft from septic drainfields, 50 ft from septic tanks, 150 ft from livestock yards/pesticide sites. Petroleum tanks require 100-150 ft separation. See Table 1 of 12VAC5-630-380 for complete requirements. Local health departments may impose additional buffers.
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our Virginia well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
Virginia Homeowner Well Guide →