Forms & Resources
Well Completion Report (SW-258)
Required for every completed well. Due within 30 days.
Must include: depth, lithology, casing details, grouting, disinfection method
Download Form ↗Pump Installation Report (SW-262)
Required when installing/replacing pump. Due within 30 days.
Include pump specs, depth, electrical hookup details
Download Form ↗All WV DHHR Well Forms
- SW-256: Application to Construct/Modify/Abandon a Water Well (permit)
- SW-258: Water Well Completion Report (well log)
- SW-261: Water Well Abandonment Report
- SW-262: Pump Installation Report
- SW-253: Request for Potable Water Testing
Submission: Submit two copies of SW-258/SW-262 to WV DHHR Certification Office and one copy to the well owner. Also file with County Health Department.
Licensing Requirements
West Virginia requires state certification for Master Well Driller (MWD), Journeyman Well Driller (JWD), and Pump Installer (PI).
License Types & Requirements
Master vs. Journeyman
Only Master Well Drillers can sign permits and completion reports. Journeyman drillers can drill/alter/abandon wells (except PWS wells) but cannot sign permits.
Exam Fees
Continuing Education
- Master Driller: 3 CEH per year (plus 2 CEH in pumps if doing pump work)
- Journeyman Driller: 2 CEH per year (plus 1 CEH in pumps if installing)
- Pump Installer: 2 CEH per year
- Topics: Must be in well drilling and related subjects, pre-approved by WV DHHR
- Providers: WV Rural Water Association, WV Environmental Training Center, WV AWWA, Sacramento State
Reporting & Documentation
Well Log Requirements (SW-258)
The well completion report must include:
- Total depth and lithology (formation descriptions)
- Water-bearing zones encountered
- Casing sizes, materials, and depths installed
- Grouting/sealing information (depths and materials)
- Disinfection date and method
- Pump test data (if conducted)
Record Retention
Keep copies of all well logs, permits, and reports for at least 5 years. The state maintains permanent records, but drillers should keep their own files for troubleshooting and warranty purposes.
Construction Standards (64 CSR 46)
Casing Requirements
- Materials: Steel or high-density PVC (Schedule 80) for shallow soft aquifers
- Depth: Extend casing below static water level (often to competent rock or specified depth)
- Grouting: Ring-grout annular space with neat cement ≥6 ft from surface
- Sanitary Seal: Grout from total depth to at least 2 ft below land surface
Grouting/Sealing Standards
- All wells require grouting/cementing between casing and formation
- Minimum 2 ft below ground surface (typical practice: grout to surface)
- Upper 2-3 ft must be neat cement for sanitary seal
- Protect all fresh water zones by isolating with casing/grout
- Prevent movement of water between zones
Setback Requirements
Note
These follow EPA guidelines. West Virginia law prohibits local entities from imposing additional fees or site conditions beyond state requirements.
Disinfection Requirements
Every new well must be disinfected before use. Shock-chlorinate the completed well to achieve ≥50 mg/L free chlorine, then develop until chlorine residual is removed. Bacteriological test (negative coliform) required before final approval.
Abandonment Standards
- Fill hole from bottom up using cement or bentonite/cement slurry
- Minimum 10 ft below ground filled
- Top 2 ft typically concrete
- Follow 64 CSR 46 methods for proper sealing
- File SW-261 within 30 days of completion
Permits
Well Drilling Permit (SW-256)
- Required for: All new wells, modifications, and abandonments
- Submit to: County Health Department
- Deadline: At least 5 days before drilling
- Fee: $0 (no state fee; some counties may charge $0-$50)
- Emergency exception: File within 30 days after starting work
- Signed by: Property owner and licensed driller
Site Inspection
Some counties (e.g., Monongalia) require a site visit by a sanitarian before issuing the permit. The inspector verifies proper setback from septic systems, buildings, and contamination sources.
High-Volume Wells
Large-Quantity Users withdrawing >300,000 gallons in any 30-day period (≈10,000 gpd) must register annually with WV DEP and participate in the statewide water use survey (WV Code §22-26-3). No separate drilling permit required beyond SW-256.
Special Permits
- Geothermal Wells: Treated as water wells. Licensed driller obtains SW-256 permit. If system discharges water (open loop), follow water well standards.
- Monitoring Wells: WV DEP certification required (not WV DHHR). Contact DEP at 304-926-0440 for monitoring well driller certification.
- Public Water Supply Wells: Only Master Well Drillers can drill and sign permits for PWS wells.
Drilling Conditions by Region
Eastern Panhandle (Ridge & Valley)
- Thin Silurian-Devonian limestones and sandstones
- Moderate yield artesian wells in valleys
- Major formations: Oriskany Sandstone, Helderberg Group
- Typical depths: 40-200 ft
- Watch for karst caverns and sudden flow
Northern WV (Allegheny Plateau)
- Conollysville Sandstone, Mauch Chunk shales/sandstones
- Coal measures, hard sandstone/shale layers
- Typical depths: 150-300 ft (some to 400-500 ft)
- Slow drilling rates (1-3 ft/hr in hard rock)
- Frequent bit changes on flint/chert
Central/Southern WV (Folded Plateau)
- Shale and sandstone beds, thin limestones
- Greenbrier Limestone, Mauch Chunk formations
- Typical depths: 100-400 ft (variable)
- Target Oriskany or Greenbrier if reachable
- Expansive clays in some areas (Kanawha Valley)
Western WV (Ohio Valley)
- Young alluvial aquifers (gravel) over shale/coal bedrock
- Shallow sand & gravel wells near river flats (<50 ft)
- Deeper plateau wells tap shale/sandstone (100-150 ft)
- Good yields in alluvium, variable in bedrock
Common Drilling Challenges
- Hard Rock: Sandstone/shale requires air rotary or cable tool. Slow drilling, frequent bit wear
- Karst Carbonates: Caverns in limestone can cause sudden drops, blowouts, or high artesian flow
- Artesian Wells: Deep confined aquifers may produce artesian pressure. Install surface valves/blowout protection
- Collapsible Shale: Unstable formations require immediate casing or heavy mud
- Iron/Bacteria: Common in bedrock. Thorough development and cleaning required
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter: Frost depth ~2-3 ft. Plan for frozen ground, protect equipment from freezing
- Spring: Heavy rains can flood lowland sites. Use silt fences, pump to containment
- Summer/Fall: Best time for yield tests (low water table gives conservative results)
Resources & Contacts
Regulatory References
- 64 CSR 19 – Water Well Regulations (certification, permitting, reporting)
- 64 CSR 46 – Water Well Design Standards (construction requirements)
- 64 CSR 15 – Cross-Connection Control (if dual water sources)
- WV Code §22-26 – Water Resources Protection Act (large-quantity users)
CE Providers
- WV Rural Water Association: 1-800-339-4513 (wvrwa.org)
- WV Rural Community Assistance Program: 304-347-2277
- WV Environmental Training Center: 304-372-7878 (mountainstateesc.com)
- Sacramento State University: 916-278-6142
- WV Section AWWA: wvawwa.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Licenses must be renewed annually before December 31. Submit renewal application to WV DHHR with fee ($150 for MWD/PI, $100 for JWD), proof of continuing education hours, and current insurance/bond certificates. Contact Patrick Marchio at 304-352-5024.
Master Drillers: 3 CEH/year (plus 2 CEH in pumps if doing pump work). Journeyman Drillers: 2 CEH/year (plus 1 CEH in pumps if installing). Pump Installers: 2 CEH/year. Courses must be WV-approved and in well drilling/related subjects.
Within 30 days after completion. Submit Form SW-258 (Well Completion Report) to the County Health Department with two copies to WV DHHR and one copy to the well owner. Pump Installation Report (SW-262) also due within 30 days.
Minimum 50 ft from septic systems, 100 ft from lagoons/waste storage/manure pits/animal yards/ponds. Follow 64 CSR 46 design standards and EPA guidelines. County health departments may verify setbacks during site inspection.
Looking for Homeowner Information?
Check out our West Virginia well guide for homeowners covering costs, permits, and water quality.
West Virginia Homeowner Well Guide →