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
| License Type | Experience Required | Insurance/Bond | Exam(s) Required | Biennial Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Well Driller (MWD) | ≥2 yr (3,000 hr) as JWD | $100K/$300K liability; $5,000 bond | WV rules + NGWA General + NGWA specialty | $300/2yr |
| Journeyman Driller (JWD) | ≥2 yr (3,000 hr) under MWD/JWD | Covered under Master's bond | WV Driller Exam | $200/2yr |
| Pump Installer (PI) | ≥2 yr (1,000 hr) under installer/driller | $100K/$300K liability; $5,000 bond | WV Pump Installer Exam | $300/2yr |
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
| Exam | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WV Master/Journeyman/Pump Exam | $25 | Per attempt; 70% passing score |
| NGWA General Driller Exam | $75 | Required for MWD; paid to NGWA |
| NGWA Specialty Exam (choose one) | $75 | Required for MWD; paid to NGWA |
Continuing Education
- Master Driller: 6 CEH per two years (plus 4 CEH in pumps if doing pump work)
- Journeyman Driller: 4 CEH per two years (plus 2 CEH in pumps if installing)
- Pump Installer: 4 CEH per two years
- 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
| Document | Deadline | Submit To |
|---|---|---|
| Well Construction Report (SW-258) | 30 days after completion | Commissioner: two copies; owner: one copy |
| Pump Installation Report (SW-262) | 30 days after pump hookup | Commissioner: two copies; owner: one copy |
| Abandonment Report (SW-261) | 30 days after sealing | Commissioner: two copies; owner: one copy |
| License Renewal | 30 days before two-year certification expires | WV DHHR with CE proof + insurance |
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: At least 19 ft below ground and 1 ft above grade; in bedrock, extend at least 5 ft into unweathered rock (64 CSR 46 6.1)
- Grouting: Fully grout the casing from its lower terminus to ground surface, with cavity/packer and unconsolidated-aquifer provisions; a pitless adapter allows grout to terminate at adapter level (64 CSR 46 6.3)
- Sanitary Seal: Minimum 1.5-inch annular space; positive bottom-up placement below water level
Grouting/Sealing Standards
- All wells require grouting/cementing between casing and formation
- Gravity placement only above the water level and no deeper than 30 ft
- 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
| Contamination Source | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Septic/holding tanks, privies, non-watertight drains, buried chemical/fuel tanks and cemeteries | 50 ft; 100 ft if well is lower in elevation |
| Sewage absorption fields / treatment facilities | 100 ft / 200 ft |
| Watertight sewers / existing buildings | 10 ft |
| Barnyards, feeding and watering areas | 100 ft |
| Streams, rivers and impoundments | 25 ft |
| Fertilizer/pesticide storage or preparation | 150 ft |
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 for at least 12 hours, then develop until chlorine residual is removed. Bacteriological testing is strongly recommended; 64 CSR 46 requires two samples for setback-variance wells.
Abandonment Standards
- Fill hole from bottom up using cement or bentonite/cement slurry
- Completely fill the well with bentonite or cement grout
- Remove casing where possible; unconsolidated wells sealed bottom to top
- 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 15 calendar days before drilling
- Fee: Heat-exchange wells: $150 for 1–50 tons; $300 over 50 tons (64 CSR 19 Appendix A). Appendix A lists only heat-exchange permit fees; county fees may also apply
- Emergency exception: Contact the Commissioner by the next business day after the emergency; file the permit application and completion report within five calendar days after that contact
- 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
WV DHHR – Water Well Driller Program
Patrick L. Marchio, Program Manager – licensing, CE, renewals
WV DHHR – Exam Scheduling
Brooklyn Persinger – exam registration
WV DEP – Monitoring Well Drillers
For environmental monitoring well certification
WV Water Well Drillers Association
Industry association, resources, advocacy
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
How do I renew my West Virginia driller license?
Certifications expire two years after issuance; renew at least 30 days before expiry under 64 CSR 19, effective July 1, 2026. Submit renewal application to WV DHHR with fee ($300 for MWD/PI, $200 for JWD), proof of continuing education hours, and current insurance/bond certificates. Contact Patrick Marchio at 304-352-5024.
What are the CE requirements for West Virginia drillers?
Master Drillers: 6 CEH every two years (plus 4 CEH in pumps if doing pump work). Journeyman Drillers: 4 CEH every two years (plus 2 CEH in pumps if installing). Pump Installers: 4 CEH every two years. Courses must be WV-approved and in well drilling/related subjects.
How soon must I file the well log?
Within 30 days after completion. Submit Form SW-258 (Well Completion Report) to the Commissioner (two copies) and the well owner (one copy). Pump Installation Report (SW-262) also due within 30 days.
What are the setback requirements in West Virginia?
Septic tanks: 50 ft (100 ft when well is lower); absorption fields: 100 ft; sewage treatment: 200 ft; barnyards: 100 ft; streams/impoundments: 25 ft; fertilizer/pesticide storage: 150 ft. See Table 64-46 A for all distances and elevation adjustments. 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 →