Frequently Asked Questions: Well Permitting
Select a question below, or scroll to see all available information.
- Is a permit required to drill a well in Missoula County?
- What is required to obtain a permit to construct a well?
- Can I drill a well where ever I want on my property?
- Does the well location need to be inspected following construction?
- Does the Health Department review the construction, quality, or dependability of the well?
Learn More....
| Q: Is a permit required to drill a well in Missoula County? |
A: Yes, for most wells, except for certain construction wells and monitoring wells. Drinking, irrigation, and heat source wells all need a permit. Missoula County began requiring well permits because it was becoming apparent that wells were being constructed that did not meet setbacks, and were not in compliance with approved site plans, leading to unnecessary costs being put on the property owners to either re-locate their well or to have a new site plan prepared and approved.
Q:
What is required to obtain a permit to construct a
well?
A: A
completed application, site plan, and permit fee must be submitted for
the Department to begin the permit process. The application will need to
state the intended use of the well; this is important as different uses
have different setback requirements.
The site plan should show the location of the proposed well, your
septic system and any surrounding septic systems or sewer lines, and any
irrigation ditches or surface water.
Q:
Can I drill a well where ever I want on my
property?
A:
No.
Many properties have a formal MT DEQ approved site plan that was
put together as part of a Sanitation in Subdivision review process when
the lot was created. If your
parcel has an approved site plan, you must install the well in the
approved location, or contact the Health Department about a Modified
Site Plan process to change the approved location of the well.
If there is no MT DEQ approved site plan for your property, you
still will need to have the well constructed in a location that meets
applicable setbacks. Contact
the Health Department for more information on setback requirements.
Q: Does the well
location need to be inspected following construction?
A:
Yes.
By rule, the Well Driller must contact the Health Department
within 2 days following the completion of the well.
The Department will then inspect the location of the well to
ensure the well was installed in the proper location.
If the well was not installed in the correct location, or does
not meet setbacks, the well may need to be abandoned and re-drilled in
the proper location.
Q:
Does the Health Department review the
construction, quality, or dependability of the well?
A:
No.
The Health Department will only review and inspect the location
of the well to ensure it complies with setback requirements and any
applicable approved site plan.
MT Department of Natural Resources and Conservation oversees
construction requirements and water rights issues for wells.
Have more questions? Contact Us!
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