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What is a water well?
There are three types of wells: drilled wells, driven wells, and dug wells.

Click here to learn more about the types of wells.

How do I protect my water well?
Performing routine well maintenance is critical to ensure protection of your well. Here is a handy Homeowner Checklist and Annual Well Maintenance Schedule from WellOwner.org

Reading Materials

   Water Wells and What You Should Know About Them (PDF 4,746KB)
This DWR publication will provide you, as a homeowner or homeowner-to-be, with the information you will need to make reasonable and sound decisions before (and during, if need be) construction of your well. Much of what is presented applies to all wells, regardless of the intended use for the water.

   Guide for Well Owners (PDF 1.02MB)
This booklet was prepared by Santa Clara Valley Water District to make private well ownership a little easier. It is designed to: alert private well owners to the potential for contamination and the need for water quality testing; introduce well owners to the basics of proper well construction, destruction and maintenance.

   Drinking Water From Household Wells
This pamphlet, prepared by U.S. EPA, provides general information about drinking water from home wells (also considered private drinking water sources). It describes types of activities in your area that can create threats to your water supply. It also describes problems to look for and offers maintenance suggestions. Sources for more information and help are also listed.

Websites

   WellOwner.org
This website, a part of the National Ground Water Association, offers a wealth of information about ground water and private water well systems, including a homeowner checklist, annual water well check-up schedule, finding certified/licensed water well contractors, and groundwater quality information.

   U.S. EPA - Private Drinking Water Wells
Approximately 42 million people in the U.S. obtain water from their own private drinking water supplies. Most of these supplies are drawn from ground water through wells, but some households also use water from streams or cisterns. EPA does not oversee private wells. EPA encourages these households to take special precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their drinking water supplies.