Well Site Location, Fairview Utah
Where should I drill? Many future well owners plan their well site location based on convenience. This is normally not practical when considering all the factors. For the most part, you will want to consult with a licensed well driller but here are some basic items to consider.
- You want to make sure you are away from a latrine, human or animal waste.
- Consider the flow of the water and where to place the well to avoid contaminants.
- Make sure to have room for the drill rig to be able to operate.
- Consider the ground and soil. Make sure the drill rig can penetrate the ground, but you also want the soil to be stable as well.
- Consider power lines and the danger that could be increased when installing or accessing the well.
- Consider the layout of a yard, sheds, septic systems, house, and driveway when locating the well.
- Most counties have a minimum spacing requirement between the septic system and the well. The minimum is usually 100 feet.
Property Ownership and Water Rights
Once you have an idea of where you would like the well site located, its important to research water rights according to your location. You will need to confirm that it is legal to drill in that location and obtain a permit. There are different water rights depending on your county in Utah. Make sure to know your counties water rights by checking out this map.
On the application you fill out to drill, an approximate well site location will be required. There is information on the Utah Division of Water Rights website where you can find out the requirements for the application. There are also resources there to gain the correct paperwork and permit to fill out. The area you select when filing for the permit to drill is where the well be located. At this point this area is only approximate.
Requirements by the State Engineer’s Office
The following operations require a licensed well driller and/or pump installer to perform them:
- Private Water Production Wells (e.g., domestic, stockwater, irrigation, industrial, and commercial wells)
- Public Water System Supply Wells
- Recharge and Recovery Wells
- Cathodic Protection Wells
- Heating and Cooling Exchange Wells (Both closed-loop and open loop vertical systems)
- Test Wells and Monitoring Wells, and Piezometers
- Inclinometers and Dewatering Wells if they affect an established aquifer
A proof is required by the state engineer’s office after the well is drilled. The well will become part of the legal description of the property after surveying is complete. This process is also known as proving up on the well or a well proof. This is showing that you are beneficiary using your water.