What we do
We protect groundwater quality by issuing permits and inspecting the construction of new wells and borings used for domestic, irrigation, monitoring, or industrial purposes.
Our staff also oversees the operation of small public and private domestic water systems to be sure the water is potable and safe.
Submitting your application
Use the contact information on this page to submit your application by email or in printed form. You can call the number provided to make payments by Visa or MasterCard.
If you choose to hand deliver your application, please arrive 1 hour before closing to ensure time for acceptance.
Well setbacks
In order to drill a well, you must meet the following setbacks to keep water from being contaminated. This section of the CA Well Standards covers locating of wells. Below is a quick reference guide.
| Potential pollution or contamination source | Minimum horizontal separation distance between well and known or potential source |
|---|---|
| Any sewer (sanitary, industrial, or storm; main or lateral) | 50 feet |
| Watertight septic tank or subsurface sewage leaching field | 100 feet |
| Watertight septic tank or subsurface sewage leaching field | 150 feet |
| Animal or fowl enclosure | 100 feet |
Resources
- Marin County Municipal Code governing domestic water supplies
- California state code describing maximum contaminant levels for safe drinking water
- California Well Standards Bulletin 74-90 and 74-81
- Department of Water Resources (WCR) is in the process of updating Bulletin 74: CA Well Standards
- If you are looking for a well completion report, also known as WCR, go to the State of California Department of Water Resources website which takes you directly to a search by property address.
Related
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Well drilling local authorities and laws
Additional requirements for drilling can be required based on the city the project is located.
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County Code section 7.28
Water well performance standards for domestic use. Minimum pumping volumes and quality.
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Private water wells
A permit is required to drilling a water well. If the water is to be used for human consumption a permit to operate as a domestic water supply is also needed.
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Wells and water system fees
Current application fees drilling a water well, operating a domestic water supply, well destructions, cathodic protection wells, monitoring wells, or test or exploration wells.
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How to disinfect a well
Water in wells can become contaminated from a flood or from other sources.
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Maximum contaminant levels for water wells
Is your water source safe from contamination? This document lists the standards required to be used for human consumption.