Find Your Well Log Instantly
Your well log is the blueprint of your water source - essential for home sales, repairs, and safety. Search millions of well records by address.
Search Well Records by Address
Search millions of digitized well records from across the United States
Can’t find it online? Don’t worry - we’ll show you exactly how to get your well record below.
What Is a Well Record (Well Log)?
A well record - also called a well log, water well record, or drilling report - is a detailed document created when your water well was drilled. Licensed contractors file this report with state or local agencies, documenting everything about your well's construction.
Think of it as your well’s birth certificate and medical chart combined. It contains critical information like drilling date, total depth, water yield, casing materials, geological formations, and initial water quality. This document is legally required in most states andessential for anyone owning, maintaining, or buying a property with a private well. Learn more about well water testing to ensure your water is safe.
Why Your Well Record Is Critical
Don’t let your well’s history remain a mystery. Here are the three essential reasons every homeowner needs their well log on hand.
Legal & Real Estate
Required for Home Sales
Most states mandate providing the well log to buyers during property transactions. Even where not required, having it ready:
- Expedites the sale process
- Satisfies disclosure requirements
- Proves proper well construction
- Shows water yield and depth
Missing well logs can delay or derail real estate deals
Safety & Water Quality
Critical for Testing & Treatment
Your well log documents which aquifers your well taps and how it’s constructed - vital for:
- Proper water testing protocols
- Identifying contamination risks
- Selecting treatment systems
- Understanding geological hazards
Knowing your well's depth and construction ensures accurate testing
Maintenance & Repairs
Your Well’s Medical Chart
Contractors rely on well logs before performing any work to understand:
- Casing material (steel vs. PVC)
- Well diameter and depth
- Pump specifications
- Original yield (GPM)
Wrong repair methods can damage wells - logs prevent costly mistakes
Step-by-Step: How to Find Your Well Record
Gather Basic Information
Check your home purchase paperwork, inspection reports, or information from previous owners. Look for a well ID tag on the wellhead casing. Note your property address, parcel number, and any visible well identifiers.
Search Online Databases
Use the DrillerDB search tool above to instantly check millions of digitized well records. Simply enter your address or ZIP code. If found, you can view details and download the original PDF report.
Contact State/County Offices
If not found online, contact your state’s water resources department, geological survey, or county health department. Provide your address and any well details. They can search archives for paper records.
Follow Up with Professionals
As a last resort, contact the original driller (if known) or hire a licensed well contractor to inspect and document your well. They can create a new record with current well specifications.
Regional Differences by State
While most states have modernized record-keeping, access varies by region. Here's what to expect based on your location.
States with Online Access
Midwest, West, Northeast
Most states in these regions offer searchable online databases or GIS mapping tools for well records:
- California, Texas, Illinois: Comprehensive online portals
- Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota: Interactive well maps
- New York, Pennsylvania: Searchable databases
DrillerDB aggregates these databases for easy one-stop searching
States with Limited Online Access
Southeast & Some Eastern States
These states often require direct contact with county offices:
- Georgia, North Carolina: No centralized online database
- South Carolina, Virginia: Very limited online data
- West Virginia: May require FOIA requests
Be prepared to call or visit county health departments for records
Even in states with older systems, well logs exist - they’re just in file cabinets. DrillerDB continually works to digitize historical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my well log if I don’t know who drilled it?
You don’t need the driller’s name to find your well log. Use our location-based search tool above or contact your state’s water-well authority with your property address. State agencies file well logs by location, so they can locate any records associated with your property even without knowing the drilling company. Most states organize records by parcel number, coordinates, or street address.
Are old well records still available?
In many cases, yes. If a well log was filed when drilled, the state or county likely still has it (even if only on paper or microfilm). However, wells older than 40-50 years might predate mandatory logging. If your well is very old and no log exists, consider having a licensed well contractor document the well’s depth and construction now to create a record for future use.
Do I need a well log when selling my home?
Absolutely. Many states require providing the well log to buyers during real estate transactions. Even where not mandated, having the well record available expedites sales and gives buyers confidence. It proves proper construction and provides details on water depth and yield. Always have your well log - and recent water quality test results - ready when selling.
Are well logs public records?
In most U.S. states, well logs are public information that anyone can access via state websites or requests. A few states restrict access, requiring owner permission, but generally well logs aren’t confidential. DrillerDB aggregates publicly available well records nationwide, making it easy to search without navigating multiple government offices.
What if I can’t find my well record online?
Don’t panic. Some wells (especially older ones) aren’t in online systems. Contact your state’s water resources department, geological survey, or county health department directly. Provide your address and any details you have. They can often look up records in their archives. As a last resort, a qualified well contractor can inspect your well to document key details.
What information does a well log contain?
A well log typically includes: drilling date, total depth, static water level, yield (gallons per minute), casing material and depth, screen details, grouting information, geological formations encountered, pump specifications, water quality test results at drilling, and the driller’s license information. This data is crucial for maintenance, repairs, and understanding your water source.
What Information Is in a Well Log?
Understanding your well log helps you maintain your water system properly. Here's what you'll find in a typical well record:
When drilled and by which licensed company
How deep your well goes and its width
Natural water table depth when not pumping
Gallons per minute your well produces
Materials protecting your well from contamination
Rock and soil layers your well passes through
Take Control of Your Well’s Future Today
Your well record is more than paperwork - it’s the blueprint of your drinking water source. Essential for home sales, repairs, and ensuring safe water, this document belongs in every well owner’s files.
Can’t find your record? DrillerDB’s network of licensed well contractors can help inspect and document your well properly.
References & Resources
- Water Systems Council. "Buying & Selling Property with a Private Well." watersystemscouncil.org
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "What Every Realtor Should Know About Private Wells." epa.gov/privatewells
- National Ground Water Association. "Well Logs and Records." ngwa.org
- Private Well Class. "FAQ: What is a Well Log?" privatewellclass.org
- State Geological Surveys. "Well Record Databases by State." Contact your state's geological survey for specific database access.