Skip to main content
County of San Luis Obispo logo

COVID-19 Updates: Get the latest public information related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at ReadySLO.org.

The Environmental Health Services (EHS) office is closed to in-person visitation until further notice, however we remain open for business via www.slocounty.ca.gov/ContactEHS or by telephone at (805) 781-5544.  Please visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/CurrentEHSOperations for EHS COVID-19 guidance documents.

Return to the top of the page
County Seal

Environmental Health Services

Health Agency | Public Health

Well Drillers' Resources

What is this service?

This service provides information and instructions for Well Drillers.

Launch DrillerView, a mobile friendly and interactive Map Viewer

Resources 

  1. California Well Drilling Standards (Bulletin 74-81 and 74-90 Combined)
  2. San Luis Obispo County Water Well Code 8.40
  3. Well Completion Report Information
  4. California Department of Water Resources Water Data Library
  5. Water Testing Guidelines
  6. Well Permit Application Approval Process-Checklist
  7. Well Site/Seal Inspection Checklist
  8. Well Driller Requirements

Reference

Well Program (Construction, Destruction, and Maintenance)
Water Well Construction Permitting
Water Well Destruction Permitting
Monitoring Well Construction Permitting
Monitoring Well Destruction Permitting
Well Program Forms: Permit Applications
Well Program Forms: Other
Well Program Reference Materials
Contact Us
Environmental Health Fee Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

▾
How can I avoid delays in the application approval process?

To avoid delays in the application approval process, follow these guidelines: 

  1. Submit complete application packets that indicate accurate property owner information, driller's signature, the Well Permit Plot Plan (included in the Well Permit Application) and permitting fees.
  2. Be sure that the Well Permit Plot Plan indicates accurate directions to well site, measured distance to existing septic systems, animal enclosures, property lines, solid waste and structures on site that may contain hazardous materials.
  3. Note: Although unavoidable, be aware that wells located within the coastal zone or city limits will take longer while awaiting approval from other governing agencies.
▾
How do I obtain a Monitoring Well Construction Permit (Soil Borings, Vapor Extraction, Oxygen Sparge, Test or Exploratory holes, etc.)?

To obtain a Monitoring Well Construction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

  1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
  2. The well driller will submit a Monitoring Well Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
  3. The well driller will pay the Monitoring Well Permit Application Fee.
▾
How do I obtain a Water Well Construction Permit?

To obtain a Water Well Construction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

  1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
  2. The well driller will submit a Well Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
  3. The well driller will pay the Well Permit Application Fee.
▾
How do I obtain a Well Destruction Permit?

To obtain a Well Destruction Permit, follow these guidelines: 

  1. Hire a C-57 licensed well driller.
  2. The well driller will submit a  Well Destruction Permit Application for each well on behalf of the property owner.
  3. The well driller will pay the Well Destruction Permit Application Fee.
▾
How do I qualify as a well driller in the County of San Luis Obispo?

To qualify as a well driller in the County of San Luis Obispo, the following conditions must be met:

  1. Driller shall have a current C-57 contractor license.
  2. Driller shall have a $25,000 surety bond in place with San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services. A cashier's check may be submitted in place of a surety bond and payment shall be returned after the Well Completion Report is reviewed and approved.
▾
How does the permitting process work?

The permitting process works in the following manner: 

  1. Following approval of the application packet, proposed well site(s) will be surveyed by San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services within five (5) business days.
  2. Well driller is notified that the Well Permit Application is approved and drilling may commence.
  3. The well driller shall notify San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services within twenty four (24) hours in advance prior to annular seal placement.
  4. The well driller shall submit a Well Completion Report upon completion of well construction.
  5. San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health Services issues a final letter approving the well construction which is sent to the well owner.