Georgia Well Construction Standards Guide

Georgia well construction standards are governed by the Water Well Standards Act (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-120 through 12-5-138), administered by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). These standards ensure that every private well in Georgia is built to protect both the homeowner's water supply and the aquifer it draws from. With 450,000 to 560,000 private wells across the state, proper construction is a public health priority.

Unlike septic systems which are regulated by DPH, wells fall under EPD's authority. The Water Well Standards Advisory Council — 7 governor-appointed members plus 1 DNR commissioner appointee — oversees licensing, standards, and enforcement. Understanding these georgia well construction standards protects your investment and your family's health.

Georgia Well Construction Standards: Licensing Requirements

Georgia requires licensed professionals for all well construction. The georgia well construction standards licensing framework includes two categories.

Water Well Contractor (Driller). Licensed to drill wells, install casing, and construct water wells. Requirements include 2 years of experience under a licensed driller, passage of an NGWA-prepared exam (70% passing score, approximately $150 to $200 fee at PSI testing centers), a performance bond up to $75,000, and a license fee of up to $400 per 2-year cycle. Licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.

Pump Contractor. Licensed to install, service, and remove pumps. This is for contractors who do pump work only and do not drill. Similar examination and licensing requirements apply.

Georgia is one of 14 states that use NGWA certification exams as part of state licensing. This means Georgia-licensed drillers meet a national standard of competency, not just a state-specific minimum. Continuing education requires 8 hours per 2-year cycle, approved by the Water Well Standards Advisory Council.

About 200 to 300 licensed well contractors and 100 to 200 certified pump contractors operate in Georgia. The Georgia Association of Groundwater Professionals (GAGwP) with approximately 80 to 100 member companies provides an additional quality signal through voluntary membership and continuing education.

GA Well Drilling Regulations: Setbacks and Placement

GA well drilling regulations specify minimum distances between wells and potential contamination sources. These setbacks protect your water supply from bacterial and chemical contamination.

Feature	Minimum Setback
Septic tank	50 feet
Septic drain field (absorption field)	100 feet
Cesspool	150 feet
Property line	Varies by county
Surface water body	Varies by county

On smaller lots, these setback requirements can limit where both a well and septic system can be placed. If your property cannot accommodate both with proper setbacks, the county may deny the permit. This is a critical consideration when buying raw land in Georgia — verify setback compliance before closing.

Notice of Intent. Before drilling begins, the contractor must file a Notice of Intent with the county health department. This alerts the county that well construction is planned and allows them to verify setback compliance and any local requirements.

Georgia Water Well Requirements: Construction Standards

The georgia water well requirements for physical construction protect the well from surface contamination and ensure long-term integrity.

Well casing. Steel or PVC casing must extend from the surface to a depth that seals off surface water and unconsolidated material. The casing prevents surface contaminants from entering the well bore. Minimum casing depth depends on local geology — deeper in areas with shallow water tables or contamination risk.

Grouting. The annular space between the casing and the borehole must be sealed with cement grout or bentonite to prevent surface water from migrating down the outside of the casing. Inadequate grouting is the most common construction deficiency in older Georgia wells.

Well cap. A sanitary well cap must be installed at the surface to prevent insects, animals, and surface water from entering the well. Vented caps allow pressure equalization while maintaining a sanitary seal.

Pitless adapter. The water line connection must use a pitless adapter installed below the frost line (though Georgia's mild climate makes freezing less of a concern than in northern states). The pitless adapter provides a sealed connection through the casing.

Initial disinfection. Georgia requires chlorination to at least 50 ppm with a 2-hour contact time before the well is put into service. This kills any bacteria introduced during construction. A follow-up bacteria test confirms the well is safe for use.

EPD Well Standards Georgia: Reporting and Documentation

EPD well standards georgia requirements include documentation that creates a permanent record of your well.

Well Construction Report. The driller must file a Well Construction Report with EPD within 30 days of completion. This report documents depth, casing details, geological formations penetrated, static water level, and yield. The report becomes part of Georgia's well database and is valuable for future maintenance, repair, or replacement.

Homeowner copy. Request a copy of the Well Construction Report from your driller. Keep it with your property records. This document is essential for future pump replacements, well rehabilitation, water quality interpretation, and property sales.

Well abandonment. If a well is taken out of service permanently, Georgia requires proper abandonment — filling the borehole with cement or bentonite to prevent it from becoming a conduit for surface contamination into the aquifer. The contractor must file an abandonment report with EPD.

Find EPD-licensed well drillers through our Georgia well water services directory. For water quality concerns, read our Georgia well water testing guide. Browse all Georgia providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drill my own well in Georgia?

No. Georgia requires licensed well contractors for all well drilling. The licensing requirement protects public health and aquifer integrity. Homeowner-drilled wells risk contamination, structural failure, and violation of the Water Well Standards Act. Only EPD-licensed contractors can legally drill, construct, and report wells in Georgia.

How do I verify a Georgia well driller's license?

EPD publishes lists of licensed well contractors and certified pump contractors as downloadable PDFs at epd.georgia.gov/water-well-standards-act-contractors. The list includes license numbers, names, and company information. Verify your contractor's license before any work begins. Contact EPD at 229-391-2400 with questions about specific contractors.

What is the minimum well depth in Georgia?

Georgia does not specify a minimum well depth statewide. The driller must go deep enough to reach an adequate water supply and seal off surface contamination. In practice, residential wells in the Coastal Plain are typically 50 to 250 feet, Piedmont wells 100 to 600 feet, and Blue Ridge wells 150 to 400 feet. The driller determines the appropriate depth based on local hydrogeology.