Get Well Data (DWR 429) - Department Of Water Resources - State Of ... - Water Ca 2010-2023

Well owners need to obtain permits from local environmental health agencies or local water districts before construction, modification, or destruction takes place.

The drilling depth to water and bedrock and the well's diameter are the most significant cost factors. The average well is drilled 100 to 300 feet deep, while some shallow wells only go down to 25 feet to reach groundwater.

State Water Resources Control Board has broad regulatory authority to protect water quality.

Groundwater Law Background This was done primarily on the local level, because groundwater is a local resource used on a local basis, and California does not have a centralized, statewide system to regulate groundwater use.

Local jurisdictions have the authority to adopt standards which meet or exceed the Bulletin 74 standards. Well standards are administered and enforced at the local level. The process, from standards development through enforcement, is detailed in Water Code Sections 13800 - 13806.

In times of drought, however, California's groundwater dependence rockets to 60% or more, increasing demand on aquifers. Those with shallow wells — mostly homeowners — typically run out of water first as aquifer levels drop.

California Code of Regulations Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) and State Policies for Water Quality Control have the legal force and effect of regulation.

EPA regulations that protect public drinking water systems do not apply to privately owned wells. As a result, owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants.