Empire EWP Service Area & FAQ
Service Area & FAQ
Empire EWP's Service Area
Empire EWP Serves all of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Montana
FAQ About Well Drilling
Where should I drill my well?
We are asked this question by our customers more often than any other question. There are several factors we need to take into consideration when choosing a well site. They usually fall into two categories, regulatory and practical.
Washington State and certain Counties have rules and ordinances that will restrict certain areas from construction of wells. The Department of Ecology is the State agency that regulates well drilling. The Washington Administrative Code for well drilling is Chapter 173-162 WAC. Section WAC 173-160-171 “What are the requirements for the location of the well site and access to the well?” contain the setbacks from sources or potential sources of contamination that must be met.
Regulatory Site Requirements: Generally, the well cannot be closer than 50′ from the farthest extension of the building including eaves. 50′ from sewer lines including septic lines, septic tanks, septic or sewer pump chambers and other conveyance systems of waste water. 100′ from drain-fields, proposed drain-fields of drain-field reserve areas and any other source or potential source of contamination not already mentioned except solid waste landfills. 1000′ from any solid waste land fill active or inactive. Variances to these setbacks may be obtained with the help of professional geologist or hydro-geologist.
Certain County governments have setbacks of their own that can be more restrictive than those found in WAC 173-160-171. They also include setbacks from streams, wetlands, property lines and other sensitive areas. Many of these counties have a well site approval process that includes paper work and fees. The counties with the most restrictive setbacks include Pierce, Kitsap, and Thurston, and if you are in King county they have restrictions that are second to none. If you need or want help in navigating the many confusing and convoluted State and County rules and regulations E-mail Jason and he will be happy to lend you his expertise in this field.
Practical Site Requirements: In locating a well site we need to keep certain practical things in mind. First and foremost should be legal access. Do we need to cross other people’s property to reach yours? Do you have the proper easements for ingress and egress in place? If not then you may need to solicit the help of an attorney in obtaining these.
Drill rigs and service vehicles can weigh in excess of 60,000 lbs. Will the roads and other soils that must be crossed support those weights? If not you may need to add rock or other ballast to the site to support the drill rig and service vehicles.
Another thing to keep in mind is future development. The well will need to be serviced from time to time. Do you plan to build or plant between the well and the driveway that will block access to the well? All of these questions need to be addressed prior to selecting a well site. For information on well site need of the drill rig click here.
The thing most people want to know is, will I find water on this spot? It is very difficult determine how deep a well will be or how much water a well will make prior to drilling. The best information will come from well logs in the area. Talking to neighbors who have wells is the best way to get valuable information. The Washington State Department of Ecology has a web site where you can search well logs in your area. We have extensive records on wells we have drilled in our office.
Do I need a permit to drill a water well?
Regulations vary by location. In many places, you may need a permit to drill a well. Check with your local health department or environmental agency for specific requirements.
How deep should my well be drilled?
Well depth depends on factors like the water table, geological conditions, and local regulations. Our professional well drillers will assess these factors to determine the appropriate depth.
How much does drilling a well cost?
Costs vary widely based on factors like well depth, location, drilling method, and additional equipment or services needed. If you'd like a free estimate, contact us today.
Are there any potential environmental impacts of drilling a well?
Well drilling should comply with environmental regulations to prevent contamination.
Can I drill a well on any part of my property?
Zoning regulations may affect where you can drill a well. Check with your local zoning department to ensure compliance.
How long does it take to drill a well?
The time required depends on various factors, including the depth of the well, drilling conditions, and the drilling method used. It may also depend on how long of a list of other property owners we have who want a well. If you'd like to find out how long and get a free estimate, contact us today.
Do I need to test the water quality?
quality testing is recommended to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Well drillers often perform initial tests, but additional testing may be needed based on local regulations. It is advised that homes and businesses on a well test their water once a year to ensure safe drinking water for occupants and animals.
What maintenance is required for a well?
Regular maintenance, including well inspections and water quality testing, is important to ensure the well's proper functioning and water safety. In addition, the well pump needs to serviced or occasionally will require repair. If you need an inspection or service for your well and well pump, call us today.
Are there any restrictions on water usage from the well?
Some areas may have restrictions on water usage from wells, especially during drought conditions. Check local regulations and water rights to understand any limitations.
What states can you drill a water well in?
We are licensed to drill water wells in Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Montanta, Oregon, and Arizona. Call us today to learn more.