Wells

    WATER WELL REGISTRATION

    WHAT IS CONSIDERED A WATER WELL FOR THE
    PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION?

    • Any excavation that is constructed to explore
      or monitor groundwater, obtain hydrogeologic
      information, or extract water from, or inject
      fluid into an underground water reservoir

    WHAT WATER WELLS ARE REQUIRED TO BE
    REGISTERED?

    • All water wells must be registered with the
      Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR).
    • Test holes and dewatering wells used for less
      than 90 days and domestic wells older than
      Sept. 9, 1993,

    WHEN ARE WATER WELLS REQUIRED TO BE
    REGISTERED?

    • Water wells need to be registered within 60
      days after construction.

    WHY ARE WATER WELLS REQUIRED TO BE
    REGISTERED?

    • Complete information as to the occurrence
      and the use of groundwater is essential to the
      development of a sound groundwater policy.

    WHERE CAN I GO TO CHECK ON MY WATER
    WELL REGISTRATION?

    • The Nebraska Department of Natural
      Resources interactive webpage.

    WHO IS ABLE TO REGISTER NEW WATER WELLS?

    • Whoever constructs the water well is obligated
      to register the well, whether it is the land
      owner or the licensed well driller. These are the
      only two persons who may legally drill a water
      well.

    WHEN SHOULD I MODIFY MY REGISTRATION?

    • The licensed water well contractor or pump
      installation contractor is responsible for
      notifying the department within 60 days of any
      pump installation or modifications.
    • The owners of the water well should notify the
      department within 60 days of any other
      changes or inaccuracies in recorded water well
      information.

    WHO IS ABLE TO CHANGE THE REGISTRATION
    OF AN EXISTING WATER WELL?

    • The owner of the water well.

    WHAT AGENCY PERMITS THE CONSTRUCTION OF GROUNDWATER WELLS?

    • Natural Resources Districts (NRD) maybe responsible for permitting the construction of groundwater wells as well as cities or counties.

    WHAT AGENCY ESTABLISHES THE RULES ON WELL PUMPING?
    Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are responsible for establishing the rules for well pumping.

    WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WELL CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS AND DECOMMISSIONING A
    WELL?

    • The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) operates the Water Well Standards Program and has rules for these activities.
    FAQs Flyer

    UNWNRD Well Personal Contact Information:

    Lynn Websters

    Email: Webster@UNWNRD.org

    Phone Number: (308) 432-6190

    Find Your Local NRD Here:

    Look For Your Water Well Here:

    Nebraska Department of Natural Resources:

    Nebraska Departement of Energy and Enviroment:

    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here

    Links:

    Water Well Standards: CEU Lookup (links to old website): Water Well Standard Professionals

    Water Well Standards: Approved CEUs: Water Well Standards Approved Continuing Education Programs 2023 thru 2024 | NDEE NE

    Water Well Standards: NRD GW Tech training materials: Well Water Standards and Contractors’ Exams and Study Material | NDEE NE

    Water Well Standards: Application and Forms: Publications, Grants & Forms | NDEE NE

    Wellhead Protection: Wellhead Protection (WHP) | NDEE NE

    Source Water Protection: Source Water Protection Program | NDEE NE