Drilling a New Well

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Before Drilling

Drilling a new well requires careful planning and coordination with multiple agencies. Before drilling, confirm water availability and permitting requirements through Yakima County, or the Yakama Nation Water Code if your property is within the Yakama Nation.

Helpful Resources:

• Drilling a New Well Checklist
• Homeowner's Guide to Well Construction (Washington State Department of Ecology)
• Licensed Well Driller Search (Washington State Department of Ecology)
• Adequate Water Determination Application (For newly drilled wells outside of the Yakama Nation boundary)

Choosing a Safe Location for Your New Well

Choosing the right location for your well is critical to protecting your drinking water. Your well should be placed away from potential sources of contamination, such as septic systems, livestock areas, surface water, and places where fuel or chemicals are stored or used.

Below are recommended minimum setback distances based on Washington State Well Construction Standards (WAC 173-160).

• Buildings or structures - at least 5 feet from the well
• Septic tanks - at least 50 feet
• Building sewers - at least 50 feet
• Septic drain fields - at least 100 feet
• Animal pens, chemical storage, or other contamination sources - at least 100 feet
• Permitted landfill boundaries - at least 1,000 feet