New Wells in Spokane County: Ecology Rules and Local Checks

Washington's Department of Ecology requires a Notice of Intent at least 72 hours before drilling a well, and says a well operator license is required to construct or decommission water wells, with two exceptions. Check local rules with Spokane County and your health district.

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What a new well involves

A new well is a drilled source of water for a property. Before drilling begins, state rules apply: a drilling company must file a Notice of Intent with the Department of Ecology, and the person constructing the well needs a well operator license, with two exceptions.

Washington's Department of Ecology says a well operator license is required to construct or decommission water wells, with two exceptions. A drilling company must file a Notice of Intent with Ecology at least 72 hours before drilling; the notice is separate from any permit, certificate or water-right application. Ecology offers a searchable system for notices of intent, drillers and companies. Check local rules with Spokane County and your health district.

This page gives information only. It explains what the rules say so you can ask the right questions of Ecology, Spokane County and your health district.

When people look into a new well

A property has no water source.
A lot is being developed away from a city or water district.
An existing well has failed and replacement is considered.
A well is being added or replaced for a new building.
A landowner wants to understand the paperwork before hiring a driller.
A well is being decommissioned and the rules come up.

What the process usually looks like

Check local rules. Ask Spokane County and your health district what applies.
Choose a driller. Ecology's searchable system lists drillers and companies.
Notice of Intent. The drilling company files it with Ecology at least 72 hours before drilling.
Drill. The well is constructed by someone with a well operator license, with two exceptions.
Test the water. Follow the Department of Health testing recommendations.
Keep the records. File the paperwork and test results.

How to prepare

Before drilling a new well:

Ask Spokane County and your health district about local rules.
Search Ecology's system for drillers and companies.
Ask who files the Notice of Intent and when.
Ask whether the person drilling holds a well operator license.
Ask about water testing after the well is completed.
Get the price in writing, with what it includes.
Check registrations on the Washington L&I page for any other trades involved.

What affects the cost

Prices vary widely with the well, the pump and the work. For a new well, the cost depends on the site and the scope.

Site. Ground conditions and access change the work.
Scope. What the price includes, from drilling to pump and tank.
Trades involved. Electrical and plumbing work can be separate trades.
Testing. Water testing after completion is separate.
Paperwork. Who handles the Notice of Intent and any local requirements.
Written price. Whether the price is for drilling only or the whole system.

Why the Notice of Intent matters

The Notice of Intent is the paperwork a drilling company files with Ecology before drilling. It is separate from any permit, certificate or water-right application, so filing it does not answer every question. Asking who files it, and when, and then checking local rules with Spokane County and your health district, covers the gap between state paperwork and local requirements.

Sources and registration

Ecology. Washington's Department of Ecology says a well operator license is required to construct or decommission water wells, with two exceptions. A drilling company must file a Notice of Intent with Ecology at least 72 hours before drilling; the notice is separate from any permit, certificate or water-right application. Ecology offers a searchable system for notices of intent, drillers and companies. Check local rules with Spokane County and your health district.

Water testing. The Washington Department of Health recommends testing private well water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrate, and also when you notice a change in taste, color or smell, after flooding, and after you replace any part of your well system. Your county health department can tell you how and where to have it tested.

Registration. Check a company's registration on the Washington Department of Labor & Industries “Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business” page. Pump work can involve other trades: contractors are registered with the Department of Labor & Industries, electrical work generally requires an electrical contractor license, and plumbing work generally requires certified plumbers, with some exceptions.

Reasons to trust this page

Most statements on this page name their public source, such as the Department of Health or the Department of Ecology.
Cost factors are explained in plain terms, and this site does not quote prices.
The email address is shown at the top of every page, and the Privacy page says what a quote request collects.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to drill a new well?

Ecology requires a Notice of Intent at least 72 hours before drilling a well. The notice is separate from any permit, certificate or water-right application, so ask Ecology, Spokane County and your health district about other rules. Anyone who constructs a water well needs a well operator license from Ecology, with two exceptions.

What is a Notice of Intent?

A Notice of Intent is the paperwork a drilling company files with the Department of Ecology at least 72 hours before drilling a well. It is separate from any permit, certificate or water-right application. Ecology offers a searchable system for notices of intent, drillers and companies.

Who can drill a well in Washington?

Washington's Department of Ecology says a well operator license is required to construct or decommission water wells, with two exceptions. Ecology offers a searchable system for notices of intent, drillers and companies, which is a place to check a driller before you agree to anything.

What local rules apply to a new well in Spokane County?

Check local rules with Spokane County and your health district, since state paperwork from the Department of Ecology does not cover everything. Ask each office what applies to your lot, and put the answers with the written price and scope for the well.

Should I test the water from a new well?

The Washington Department of Health recommends testing private well water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrate, and also after you replace any part of your well system. Your county health department can tell you how and where to have it tested, including for a newly completed well.

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