Wells and Borings
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Environmental Health Division
Wells and Borings: About Us
Approximately 70 percent of all Minnesotans rely on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water, and one million Minnesotans rely on private wells. Wells and borings used for drinking water, irrigation, industry, groundwater monitoring, heat pumps, hydraulic elevators, and other purposes must be properly constructed, maintained, and sealed (filled with an impervious material) when removed from service, to protect both public health and our invaluable groundwater resources.
- Establishes standards for construction and sealing of wells and borings ("Minnesota Well Code").
- Licenses contractors who construct, repair, and seal wells and borings.
- Administers permits and notifications to construct and seal wells and borings.
- Inspects the construction of new wells and borings, and the sealing of old wells and borings.
- Follows up with property owners to seal unused wells.
- Maintains records on wells and borings.
- Provides information, training, and technical assistance to contractors, other professionals, and the public.
- Responds to well and well water quality problems caused by groundwater contamination events and natural disasters such as floods.
- Since 1987, the Commissioner of Health has had the authority to delegate specific responsibilities for the regulation of water wells, monitoring wells and/or dewatering wells to local boards of health (Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103I.111).
- Currently, nine boards of health (covering eight counties and two cities) have responsibility for wells within their jurisdictions.
- These delegated programs provide local permitting and inspection of well construction and sealing.
- Delegated programs may charge fees that are different from state fees and may have more stringent requirements for construction and sealing.
- Delegated Well Programs in Minnesota.
Sign up for GovDelivery email updates from the Well Management Program.
- Get updates on information for licensed well contractors from the Well Management Program.
- Get updates to continuous education programs for licensed well contractor annual renewal.
- Get updates on Well Management Program rulemaking.
- Contacting the Well Management Section including district offices.
Last Updated: 10/18/2024